Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, during the visit to London by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they will raise with him (1) the issue of gender-based violence in India, and (2) the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts, the powers they grant to the Indian Armed Forces in Kashmir and the north eastern states of India, and related immunities from prosecution.

We are committed to tackling violence against women and girls around the world and we work closely with the Indian government and international partners on this important issue. Prime Minister Modi’s speech to 60,000 members of the Indian Diaspora at Wembley Stadium also referred to the importance of ensuring safe and secure work places for women.

We are aware of concerns regarding allegations of immunity from prosecution for Indian armed forces personnel under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. There is a mechanism which allows people to request that the Indian government investigate such concerns. Any allegations of human rights abuses must be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently.