MEA calls US religious freedom body biased and lacking credibility
India has strongly rejected the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) call for sanctions against members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), describing the US body as “biased” and lacking credibility.
Responding to questions on the USCIRF’s latest remarks, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the organisation had repeatedly made what India considers disparaging and inflammatory statements about the country. He said New Delhi does not expect the commission to acknowledge India’s pluralistic framework and the coexistence of its diverse communities.
“We are all aware that the organisation you are referring to is biased,” Jaiswal said, adding that it has its own agenda and lacks credibility.
USCIRF seeks sanctions against RSS members
The remarks came after USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood opposed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s upcoming visit to the United States and called on Washington to impose sanctions on RSS members whom the commission holds responsible for alleged violations of freedom of religion or belief.
The commission also urged the US government not to extend diplomatic courtesies or hold high-level meetings with RSS leaders. It described the RSS as an umbrella organisation and alleged that groups associated with it had been involved in attacks against religious minorities.
Bhagwat set for US visit on August 29
Bhagwat is scheduled to visit the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom from August 25 as part of the RSS’s centenary-year global outreach programme. In New York, he is expected to participate in the Universal Oneness Celebrations on August 29.
The RSS has said the overseas outreach aims to present its perspective on India, Hindu society and the organisation, promote the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and engage with mainstream communities on issues concerning Hindus and people of Indian origin.
India had rejected USCIRF report earlier
The latest exchange follows India’s rejection of the USCIRF’s annual report released in March. At the time, the MEA described the report as a distorted and selective portrayal of India based on what it called questionable sources and ideological narratives.
The commission had recommended targeted sanctions against individuals and entities, including the RSS, and called for India to be designated a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious freedom violations. India rejected those allegations.
The USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan US federal government agency that monitors religious freedom abroad and makes policy recommendations to the US President, Secretary of State and Congress.
Hindu advocacy group backs Bhagwat visit
Meanwhile, US-based Hindu advocacy group HinduPACT criticised the USCIRF’s opposition to Bhagwat’s visit, accusing members of the commission of pursuing what it described as an anti-Hindu narrative.
HinduPACT founder and chair Ajay Shah said Bhagwat should not be subjected to what he called politically motivated criticism ahead of his US visit.
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