Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Indian government on press freedom in Indian-administered Kashmir.

We are closely monitoring recent reports from Kashmir, including the arrests of journalists. A free and independent media is an essential component of a functioning society, leading to greater stability and prosperity and we are clear on the importance of rights being respected. The UK remains committed to Media Freedom, and to championing democracy and human rights around the world.

We work closely with the Indian media, including by funding an annual South Asia Journalism Fellowship Programme under our flagship Chevening brand. In 2020 and 2021, we funded 17 fellows, including 7 from India.