HC Deb 12 March 2004 vol 418 cc1793-4W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether he discussed inter-religious conflict on his recent trip to India; and whether he made representations to the Indian Government for an independent investigation to be carried out into the level of conflict; [160127]

(2) what representations he made to the Indian Government during his recent visit to India concerning the level of attacks on Christians by Hindu militants. [160190]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed many subjects with the Indian Government during his visit to India in February although the opportunity to raise this issue did not arise on this occasion. He has however raised it on many previous occasions and will continue to do so. But the

Indians can be in no doubt of our commitment to human rights, including the right to freedom of religion. Most recently, on my visit to India in January this year I was able to raise human rights concerns with the Indian authorities.

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