Statement by India under Agenda Item 6: General debate on Universal Periodic Review at the 58th Session of Human Rights Council (24 February – 4 April 2025) delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 26 March 2025

Mr. President

The Universal Periodic Review stands, in India's assessment, as the most effective instrument within the Human Rights Council for advancing and safeguarding human rights worldwide. Its distinctive peer-to-peer review methodology consistently delivers results. The UPR has tangibly enhanced human rights conditions while bolstering national frameworks and institutions. This mechanism enables meaningful sharing of successful practices and fosters interstate collaboration. The current framework maintains universal endorsement by ensuring meaningful participation of all stakeholders while adequately respecting nations' distinct sociopolitical and economic contexts. We emphatically support preserving these existing procedures unchanged. 2. The UPR should persist as a state-led, intergovernmental mechanism conducted with objectivity and without politicization. Reviews must address all human rights dimensions with equal consideration. Implementation difficulties frequently arise not from reluctance but from resource and capability limitations. Consequently, greater attention should be directed toward technical support and capacity development, with the reviewed states' agreement. India has consistently supported and will continue contributing to the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance supporting UPR implementation. We urge increased attention on recommendations accepted by states through this mechanism to strengthen its effectiveness and enhance global human rights conditions.

Thank you.