Danger for India’s Foreign Policy: Diplomat

Corporate and political leaders tend to avoid partnerships that present human rights problems. “Issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and India’s actions in Kashmir are beginning to affect India’s relations with its neighbors, major Islamic countries such as Iran and Indonesia, and strategic partners such as the United States,” explains Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan for the Diplomat. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights announced plans to file an application on India's citizenship act. Iran’s foreign minister condemned the violence against Indian Muslims, which represent about 15 percent of India’s population, and he urged dialogue and the rule of law. Describing those remarks as “selective and tendentious characterization,” India responds to critics that the act is an internal matter. Rajagopalan points out that Iran has not issued similar criticism about China’s treatment of Uyghurs, a reflection of India’s level of economic influence. Indonesia, described as a key partner in India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific strategy, also condemned the religious violence, expressing confidence that India would act to ensure religious harmony. Likewise, US congressional committees review India’s policies. India must devote limited diplomatic resources to defending its policies at home, Rajagopalan concludes, rather than forging new security and economic ties. – YaleGlobal