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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editor

UK aid to India does little for human rights and democracy, watchdog finds

People living in an urban slum in Ghaziabad, India
People living in an urban slum in Ghaziabad, India. Some critics of the UK government say it is at risk of not using its aid programme to reduce poverty. Photograph: Pradeep Gaur/Sopa/Rex/Shutterstock

Britain’s aid programme to India is fragmented, lacks a clear rationale and does little to counter the negative trends in human rights and democracy in the country, the government’s aid watchdog has found.

The findings are likely to be used by those who claim the UK government risks using its aid programme to deepen its relationship with India, including seeking free trade deals, rather than attempting to reduce poverty, which is the statutory purpose of UK aid.

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