To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the Answer of 27 October 2008, Official Report, columns 532-3W, whether the next EU-India Human Rights Dialogue will take place before the end of 2008; and what subjects are on the agenda for the next dialogue. (243332)

We had hoped the EU/India Human Rights Dialogue would take place before the end of 2008. We now understand that it is due to take place in 2009, although the date has not yet been finalised by the EU presidency and the Indian government.

We expect religious freedom and minority rights in India, including the recent attacks in Orissa state, to be included on the agenda.