ILO Convention No. 169, adopted in 1989, is the only international treaty specifically dedicated to the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples. It is a landmark instrument that replaced the earlier, assimilationist Convention No. 107 (1957), shifting the focus from integration to the recognition of distinct identities and rights.

Core Principles and Objectives: Convention 169 is founded on the principles of respect for the cultures, ways of life, and traditional institutions of indigenous and tribal peoples. Its main objectives are to:

1. Self-determination and Participation: Emphasize the right of these peoples to decide their own priorities for development and to participate in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of plans and programs affecting them. This includes consultation in good faith and obtaining their free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) for measures affecting them.
2. Land and Resource Rights: Recognize the rights of ownership and possession of the peoples concerned over the lands which they traditionally occupy. It also covers their rights to the natural resources pertaining to these lands.
3. Cultural Integrity: Protect and promote their cultural values, practices, languages, and traditional knowledge. It calls for measures to preserve their identity and to ensure that their customs and customary laws are respected.
4. Non-discrimination: Ensure that indigenous and tribal peoples enjoy full social, economic, and cultural rights without discrimination, and that special measures are taken to safeguard their persons, institutions, property, labour, cultures, and environment.
5. Labour and Employment: Protect them from exploitative labour practices and ensure equal opportunities and treatment in employment.
6. Education: Ensure that educational programs are culturally appropriate and that they have the opportunity to acquire education in their own languages.

Significance: Convention 169 is significant because it provides a comprehensive legal framework for the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples, moving away from the paternalistic approach of earlier instruments. It places a strong emphasis on consultation, participation, and the recognition of collective rights.

Is India a signatory to it? No, India is not a signatory to ILO Convention No. 169.

India has not ratified Convention 169, despite having a large tribal population. The reasons often cited for non-ratification include concerns about potential conflicts with existing national laws and policies, particularly regarding land rights and the definition of 'indigenous peoples.' The Indian government generally views all its citizens, including tribal communities, as 'indigenous' to India, and therefore, the specific categorization and rights outlined in the Convention might be seen as creating a separate legal status that could challenge national sovereignty or existing constitutional provisions for Scheduled Tribes. India maintains that its own constitutional and legal safeguards for Scheduled Tribes are robust and sufficient.