Thank you, President, Honourable Members,
I would like to reassure you that the European Union is following the situation in the state of Manipur closely.
We are very saddened and deeply saddened by the large number of deaths and of injured and displaced persons since violence erupted in Manipur at the beginning of May.
The Indian authorities have taken a number of measures to address this very tense situation. A Commission of Inquiry has been set up to investigate incidents of violence [and] a Peace Committee has been established, with broad participation, to facilitate peace negotiations and dialogue between the conflicting groups.
We hope that these measures will very soon bring results so that this wave of violence and the profound mistrust between the communities comes to an end.
India is a strategic partner of the EU.
Our relations are based on mutual respect.
And the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms are at the core of our partnership.
We discuss regularly with India the challenges and best approaches on human rights in both Europe and India. The annual EU-India Human Rights Dialogue provides a good platform for frank and open discussions between us.
The last meeting took place in July 2022, and the next one should happen by the end of the year.
The EU is ready to support our Indian friends – if requested – in their efforts towards rebuilding peace and trust between the different groups in Manipur.
Thank you.
Link to the video (starting at 19:20): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-243833