Australia’s ‘quiet diplomacy’ approach to human rights in India has failed, advocates say

Anthony Albanese has avoided answering direct questions about whether he will raise human rights concerns with India’s PM Narendra Modi. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

The Australian government has refused to be drawn on human rights in India, prompting accusations that it has shelved uncomfortable issues to boost trade and security ties.

Human Rights Watch said the “quiet diplomacy” approach favoured by the west had failed to have any visible impact on India and urged the Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, to raise human rights during his visit to the country next week.