A/HRC/WG.6/1/IND/4 page 3 I. INTRODUCTION 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its first session from 7 to 18 April 2008. The review of India was held at the 8th meeting on 10 April 2008. The delegation of India was headed by H.E. Mr. Swashpawan Singh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Office at Geneva. For the composition of the delegation, composed of 13 members, see appendix below. At its 12th meeting held on 14 April 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on India. 2. On 28 February 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of India: Ghana, Indonesia and the Netherlands. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of India: (a) A national report/written presentations submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/IND/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/IND/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/IND/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Ireland, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Latvia was transmitted to India through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the Universal Periodic Review. II. SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE REVIEW PROCESS A. Presentation by the State under review 5. At the 8th meeting, on 10 April, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India, H.E. Mr. Swashpawan Singh of India, introduced the national report and noted that India’s national report seeks to provide an overview of efforts for the realization of all human rights based on a culture of respect for diversity and pluralism. 6. India is a country of over one billion people with unparalleled pluralism. It is home to almost all religions of the world. India is also the largest democracy in the world as well as one of the most stable. The Indian delegation stated that its commitment for the promotion and protection of human rights flows from the firm belief that in a truly pluralistic society like India, growth and welfare of citizens can be ensured only through a culture of promotion and protection of human rights. India, nonetheless, remained conscious of the challenges ahead and recognized that much remained to be done before it can say with satisfaction that it has conquered poverty, ignorance and disease. India has tried to address these challenges by trying to empower the affected in an institutionalized manner and also to seek to learn from the experiences of others. 7. India was also amongst the countries that have been affected most by the scourge of terrorism. Terrorism was a direct violation of human rights, in particular the most basic rights, the right to life and liberty. India noted that it remains committed to protect its citizens by taking effective measures within the framework of the Constitution and the basic values and institutions it embodies.