US lawmakers urge bail for Umar Khalid citing human rights and international law

A prominent group of eight US lawmakers has officially reached out to India’s Ambassador in Washington, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, expressing "continued concern" over the prolonged pre-trial detention of student activist and scholar Umar Khalid. The signatories, including influential Democratic leaders like Congressman James P. McGovern and Jamie Raskin, along with Senators Chris Van Hollen and Peter Welch, urged the Indian government to grant Khalid bail. They noted that his confinement for nearly five years without a trial raises "serious questions about due process, human rights, and India’s obligations under international law."

The letter, dated December 30, 2025, emphasizes that the fairness of the investigation into the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots has been consistently questioned by international rights organizations and legal experts. The lawmakers pointed out that Khalid has been held under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which they argue is being used in a manner that may contravene international standards of equality and proportionality. They highlighted that the evidence cited—including a peaceful speech in Amravati—does not substantiate the terrorism charges leveled against him.

Framing their appeal within the India-US strategic partnership, the lawmakers asserted that as the world’s two largest democracies, both nations share a common responsibility to uphold freedom and the rule of law. They requested that the Indian government share the steps being taken to ensure that the judicial proceedings against Khalid and his co-accused comply with global human rights standards. The letter also mentioned their recent meeting with Khalid’s parents in Washington, which further amplified their resolve to address the issue.