EU-India Relations: Human Rights as the Fundamental Base for Agreement

The European Union and the Republic of India have been trying to negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) for years now. Some believe it would act as a building block for the trading partners. India, being a part of the BRICS-countries, is a growing economy and the EU has to be able to work in cooperation with India in order to keep up with the change. However, the differences in human rights and legislation have postponed the negotiations time and time again.

The western views on human rights in their foreign policies have significantly affected the international relations in the post-cold war setting. The term “human right” is a powerful concept that adapts itself to the needs of different countries as well as their people. Human rights are also widely referred to as basic rights, fundamental rights and inherent rights. They are necessary for sustaining human life and promoting the progress of humanity. The human rights policies can, however, be effected by e.g. the internal political structure and levels of social, technological and economic development in various countries. In addition, the protection of human rights is what most national and international laws strive to achieve.

In India human rights are seen as a matter of great national pride. This has a lot to do with the Hinduist concept of Dharma. It signifies behaviours that are considered to be in order with rta, the order that makes life and universe possible, and includes duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues and “the right way of living”. Taking into consideration the importance of religion, it surely comes as no surprise that India has been unwilling to consider the legislative changes that the EU has set as a requirement for the continuing of the discussion on trade. 

Finally, we can consider the position of the trade partners. Is the EU really in a position to make demand despite its economic struggles and possible deteriorating power in politics? On the other hand, India’s aspirations to grow might also face a brick wall unless the country can compromise with the existing economic giants such as the EU and the United States. If India and the EU manage to realise the power of their combined recourses and realistic position of strength, the agreement has the potential to be the start of something great for both sides.

Emmi Ilmanen, Journalist (INTA)