Persecution
in India, but mentioned reports alleging that India was one of the most dangerous countries to practice Christianity.
Responding to the debate, Foreign Office minister for Asia Mark Field said: “My frequent jousting partner, the hon. Member for West Dunbartonshire (Martin Docherty-Hughes), alluded to a consular case that we continue to work closely on”.
“He made some profound points about Prime Minister Modi and about Christian and Sikh minorities in India. We will do our best to raise some of those in an appropriate manner at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in mid-April, to ensure that Parliament’s voice is properly heard”.
“He will appreciate that diplomacy sometimes needs to be done behind closed doors, rather than with megaphones”, Field added, according to a transcript of the debate on Thursday that is now available.
Hamilton, who visited Kerala recently, mentioned alleged persecution of Christians, and said: “Of course, we must also remember the plight of the Sikhs in Punjab. Many of us represent strong Sikh communities. I recently had the privilege to be in Kerala…Kerala is home to the largest minority of Christians in India; many are from a Catholic back- ground”.
Docherty-Hughes added: “The Republic of India, the world’s largest democracy, has a legal system based on common law, is a signatory to many UN declarations, including on human rights, and is a Commonwealth nation”.
“I hope that the Government, through the Foreign Secretary, will raise a few points with President (sic) Modi and his officials at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting here in London in April”.
Modi is scheduled to attend the CHOGM, when the United Kingdom, as the chair of the group for the next two years, is likely to task New Delhi with a greater role, particularly in the area of trade and business. A regional trade hub is likely to be set up in India.
Bilateral meetings are also expected to be held between Modi and Prime Minister Theresa May when he is in London for the CHOGM from April 16 to 20.