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High Commission's reaction to discussion on a India related issue in a Westminster Committee Room in UK Parliament

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The High Commission of India has taken note of a distinctly one-sided discussion among a group of H’ble UK Parliamentarians in a Westminster Committee Room in response to an e-petition campaign on an India-related issue. 

2. High Commission of India has been, over a period of time, taking care to inform all concerned about the issues raised in the petition.  We deeply regret that rather than a balanced debate, false assertions - without substantiation or facts - were made, casting aspersions on the largest functioning democracy in the world and its institutions.

3. All issues raised are the remit of well-established independent democratic institutions in India for addressing the same. 

It is also a matter of concern that, once again, comments were made to mislead the British Indian community, raising doubts about treatment of minorities in India, alleged human rights violations in ‘Kashmir’ etc.

4. Foreign media, including the British media, are present in India and have witnessed the events under discussion first-hand. The question of lack of freedom of the media in India does not arise.

5. High Commission of India would normally refrain from commenting on an internal discussion involving a small group of H’ble Parliamentarians in a limited quorum. However, when aspersions are cast on India by anyone, irrespective of their claims of friendship and love for India or domestic political compulsions, there is a need to set the record straight.

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8/3/2021