McGovern Leads Push for Rubio to Center Human Rights in Upcoming U.S.-India Talks

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman James P. McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, along with Representatives Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Eleanor Norton (DC), and Ilhan Omar (MN-5), sent a letter urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prioritize human rights in his discussions this weekend with Indian officials. “The United States-India relationship has historically been rooted in democratic values, constitutional governance, and strong people-to-people ties,” the Members wrote. “As the world’s largest democracies and state parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the U.S. and India have an obligation to promote and defend the rights to freedom of assembly and expression.” The lawmakers highlighted reports of mass detentions, excessive use of force, internet shutdowns, and restrictions on peaceful assembly by Indian authorities amid protests over examination irregularities, youth unemployment, and, most recently, the purge of more than 130 million people from voter rolls. They also raised concerns about reports that individuals associated with Indian diplomatic missions photographed and monitored protesters in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco. The lawmakers affirmed that freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to vote are fundamental democratic principles shared by the United States and India. They urged Secretary Rubio to address these concerns directly with Indian counterparts during his visit and take the following steps: Press the Indian government to initiate thorough, transparent, and independent investigations of alleged human rights violations connected to the law enforcement response to protests; Encourage the release of any individuals detained in contravention to Indian and international law for peacefully exercising the rights to freedom of expression and assembly; Thoroughly investigate reports that Indian diplomatic missions engaged in the surveillance and intimidation of protesters within the United States; and Pursuant to Section 6 of the Arms Export Control Act, assess whether India has engaged in a consistent pattern of acts of intimidation or harassment directed against individuals in the United States and is thus ineligible for arms sales. The full text of the letter is available here .