Why do the US and Australia refuse to question India’s human rights record?

Last updated on March 6th, 2023 at 12:20 pm

The United States and Australia have refused to openly question the Indian government on its human rights violations. These two countries are always neutral when it comes to questioning India’s human rights record.

Recently, Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international non-governmental organization, urged the government of the US and Australia to talk to the Indian government on human rights issues. Human Rights Watch slammed the “quiet diplomacy” approach of the US and Australia on India’s human rights record.

HRW urged Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, to discuss the human rights situation during his visit to India next week. HRW slammed India over the targeting of minorities and other forms of human rights violations.

Recently, Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State, talked about human rights issues and the banning of US NGOs in India during his meeting with S. Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs of India. However, he did not openly criticise India. His language was restrained while talking about India’s situation.

Before his visit to India, HRW had written to him a letter to highlight “several human rights concerns and issues in India” that he could bring up with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. However, he did not talk about those issues with India.

Experts also said that Australia refused to talk about India’s human rights situation in order to boost trade and security ties with India.

Recently, the Australian prime minister was asked about the Gujarat riot allegations against Indian PM Modi. Media asked the Australian PM whether he would raise contemporary human rights concerns with Modi. The prime minister said that he looked forward to having “positive discussions” with Modi and building a good relationship between the two countries. It is clear that Australia may not discuss India’s human rights record with Indian officials.

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