In January 2025, Ethical Trade Norway convened a seminar titled “Responsible Trade with India – What Must You Know?” to explore the complexities of engaging with India’s vast and diverse market. The event underscored the critical importance of understanding caste-based discrimination, particularly against Dalits and Adivasis, within global supply chains. The Dalit Solidarity Network Norway also played an active role in the Seminar. 

Despite constitutional prohibitions, caste-based discrimination remains deeply entrenched in India. Dalits and Adivasis often face systemic exclusion, relegating them to the most hazardous and low-paying jobs. This marginalisation not only perpetuates poverty but also makes these communities vulnerable to forced labour and human trafficking. The Ethical Trading Initiative’s guidance highlights that caste discrimination fuels modern slavery and child labour in South Asia, affecting sectors such as textiles, leather, agriculture and construction.

With over 70 of Ethical Trade Norway’s 215 members engaged in trade with India—a number poised to grow following the recent free trade agreement—Norwegian businesses must prioritise due diligence to mitigate human rights violations in their supply chains. Heidi Furustøl, Executive Director of Ethical Trade Norway, emphasised the necessity for companies to conduct thorough risk assessments and implement measures to prevent and address human rights abuses, including caste-based discrimination.

Strategies for Responsible Engagement

To foster ethical trade practices, businesses are encouraged to:

• Develop Explicit Policies: Incorporate addressing caste discrimination directly within corporate policies and supplier agreements.
• Collaborate with Local Entities: Engage with local NGOs and trade unions to gain insights into caste dynamics and support affected workers.
• Implement Training Programs: Provide caste awareness and inclusion training for leaders, managers and supervisors to ensure equitable treatment across all levels.
• Establish Grievance Mechanisms: Create accessible and anonymous channels for workers to report discrimination without fear of retaliation.

By adopting these strategies, companies can contribute to the eradication of caste-based discrimination, ensuring that their operations promote human rights and social equity.

For comprehensive guidance, businesses were advised to consult resources such as the Ethical Trading Initiative’s “Base Code Guidance: Caste in Global Supply Chains”.