HUMAN RIGHTS IN INDIA AND THE CHALLENGE FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia Director, Human Rights Watch

India is the world’s largest democracy, a global economic powerhouse, and a critical regional player. While much attention has been paid to how India participates in the world economy, less consideration has been given to its internal struggles—including the advancement of human rights. Issues of regional instability, violence at its borders, and internal religious and class conflict have tested the country’s commitment to human rights. These challenges, exacerbated by a corrupt judicial system, have precipitated a rise in unlawful killings, torture, and excessive use of force by police. How do India’s human rights concerns undermine its push for international leadership and prominence on the global stage?

Meenakshi Ganguly is the South Asia director at Human Rights Watch. Previously, she was the organization’s South Asia researcher. In India, she has investigated a broad range of issues from police reform to discrimination against marginalized groups, and has researched abuses surrounding the sectarian riots in Gujarat, the lack of justice in Punjab, issues of religious freedom, the failure to protect India’s vulnerable communities—including those affected by the Maoist conflict, and abuses related to the fighting in the states of Manipur, Jammu, and Kashmir. She has also advocated a human rights approach to India’s foreign policy, particularly on countries like Burma. Before joining Human Rights Watch, Ganguly served as the South Asia correspondent for Time magazine, covering Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Ganguly received her M.A. from the Delhi School of Economics.