Blink on raising human rights with Indian authorities during visit to New Delhi
According to a senior US official, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will raise issues of human rights and democracy with Indian officials during his first visit to New Delhi as the two countries share common values on those fronts.
Blinken is scheduled to reach New Delhi late on 27th July.
During his stay in India, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will also meet Billincoln.
“With regard to the question of human rights and democracy, yes, you are right; I will tell you that we will take it up, and we will continue to have that conversation, because we strongly believe that our values on those fronts are more common than ever.” We don’t,” Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Dean Thompson told reporters during a conference call ahead of the trip.
“We believe India is going to be an important part of continuing those conversations and making stronger efforts on those fronts in partnership,” Thompson said in response to a question.
India has previously rejected criticism by foreign governments and human rights groups over allegations that civil liberties have been eroded in the country. The government has stressed that India has well-established democratic practices and strong institutions to protect the rights of all.
The government has emphasized that the Indian Constitution provides adequate protections under various laws to ensure the protection of human rights. Thompson stressed that the relationship with India is a strong relationship that has endured through the administration of all colors and stripes in the United States and will continue to do so.
“We look forward to this opportunity of the Secretary to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and continue to pursue our myriad areas of common interest,” he said.
“I think it’s fair to say that we see the relationship continuing at a very high level, and India will certainly continue to be an incredibly important partner,” he said.
“We are going to continue our global comprehensive strategic partnership, and I think the very high priority given by the President at the beginning of this administration to building the Quad and our partnership with India, it sets the tone for our idea. What can be achieved and accomplished with them and with our other partners, Thompson said. So I look forward to continuing the dialogue on all those fronts.
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