Indian-American Lawmakers Advocate for Dialogue on Human Rights in India

 

Indian-American lawmakers in the US Congress are advocating for a shift in how the US addresses human rights concerns in India. While they acknowledge the importance of raising these issues, they believe a more constructive approach is necessary.

Lawmakers like Ro Khanna, co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus, argue that lecturing India is unlikely to be effective.  They point to India's long history of colonialism, which can make the country resistant to outside criticism.  Khanna suggests a more productive approach would be an open dialogue that acknowledges the imperfections in both democracies and explores ways to work together to improve human rights.

This perspective is shared by other Indian-American lawmakers, including Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, and Dr. Ami Bera. Dr. Bera emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with India, which he sees as a crucial partner on the world stage. He believes that open communication, rather than condemnation, is the best way to address human rights concerns.

This shift in tone reflects a growing recognition of India's rising global importance.  The US needs India's cooperation on a range of issues, from security to climate change.  However, promoting human rights remains a core US foreign policy objective.  Finding a way to address these concerns without damaging the relationship is a delicate balancing act.

The approach advocated by Indian-American lawmakers could offer a way forward. By fostering a more open and respectful dialogue, the US and India may be able to find common ground on human rights issues.