Michelle Bachelet Awarded Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Michelle Bachelet, the first and only woman President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, was presented the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 in New Delhi on November 20, 2025. The award was conferred by Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, in recognition of Bachelet’s lifelong commitment to human rights, gender equality, and global justice.

A Global Advocate for Rights and Equality

Michelle Bachelet served two terms as President of Chile (2006–2010 and 2014–2018) and left behind a profound legacy. During her presidency, she,

• Established the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality
• Implemented education and tax reforms
• Created the National Institute for Human Rights and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights
• Advanced LGBT rights and pushed for political gender quotas

Her domestic achievements were matched by her international stature, especially during her term as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2018–2022). She also served as the first Director of UN Women in 2010.

Vocal Critic of Human Rights Violations Globally and in India

Bachelet has not shied away from voicing concerns over human rights issues in India, particularly,

• Criticism of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) during the 2019–20 protests.
• Expressing concern over use of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against activists.
• Raising alarms over the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) being used to “punish NGOs” involved in rights advocacy.

Despite these critiques, her honouring with the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize underscores a broader commitment to freedom of expression, civic participation, and the protection of democratic values.

A Personal Story of Resilience

• Bachelet’s personal journey echoes the struggles of many in Latin America. Her father, Air Force Brigadier General Alberto Bachelet, died in prison after opposing the 1973 military coup by Augusto Pinochet. Michelle herself was detained and later exiled.
• Sonia Gandhi, during the ceremony, drew parallels between Bachelet and Indira Gandhi, highlighting how both leaders were born into tumultuous political times and shaped by personal and national adversity.

Tribute and Acceptance

In her acceptance speech, Bachelet paid tribute to Indira Gandhi’s belief that nations prosper only through harmony. She called her visit to India a “privilege”, acknowledging the country’s rich cultural heritage and democratic values.

The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize: A Symbol of Global Impact

Instituted in 1985, the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development honours individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to,

• International peace
• Development cooperation
• Democratic governance
• Scientific discoveries for human betterment

Static Facts

• Award: Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2024
• Recipient: Michelle Bachelet
• Date of Ceremony: November 20, 2025
• Presented By: Sonia Gandhi
• Country Represented: Chile
• Notable Positions: President of Chile (2006–10, 2014–18), UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, First Director of UN Women
• Known For: Human rights advocacy, gender reforms, criticism of CAA and FCRA in India
• Established: 1985 in memory of Indira Gandhi