The US Congress must encourage the Indian government to reassess its policies and laws, particularly those related to counter-terrorism, which are deemed "inconsistent" with India's commitments under key human rights treaties, a top US lawmaker said.
Congressman James McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, made these remarks on Thursday during a hearing addressing human rights concerns in India. With the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled to commence on April 19, 2024, determining India's political trajectory for the next five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bid for a third term adds significance to the discussion.
"I'm one of those people who think that friends should tell each other hard truths. And India is a friend, and it is truly important to the US that India prospers. Yet there is a real risk that the tensions inherent in diverse societies could harden into dangerous conflicts and undermine India's bright future if human rights abuses are not addressed,” McGovern said.
“The recent communal violence between ethnic Hindu and Christian communities in Manipur state is just but one example. Congress must do its part to urge the Indian government to correct course and reconsider policies and laws, including counter-terrorism laws that are inconsistent with the obligations India has acquired through its ratification of key human rights treaties,” he said.
In his remarks, Congressman Chris Smith, Co-Chair of the committee, said India is a particular country of concern. “I would put an H in there, a huge particular concern for their egregious behaviour. And Modi looks at what we do and says they don't care. That's what the takeaway is from his government and him personally. So I would encourage you to continue on,” he said.
“...And geopolitical concerns are enhanced, I believe, and we can have credibility. When we name countries on CPC and exclude egregious violators like India, what does that say to the other countries that are on the list? They look at us as hypocrites, and that's not good either,” Smith said.
Carolyn Nash, who leads Asia Advocacy at Amnesty International USA, informed lawmakers that the US government has acknowledged instances where the Indian government has carried out transnational repression. This includes incidents in Canada where an activist was assassinated, as well as attempted actions in the United States.
Waris Husain, a legal advisor from the American Bar Association Centre for Human Rights, emphasized the need for Congress to strongly encourage the US President to address these concerns with Prime Minister Modi directly.
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