India has responded sharply to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for its recommendation to impose sanctions on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Indian government labeled the USCIRF as a “biased organisation,” indicating dissatisfaction with its stance on religious freedom issues in the country.
India Responds to US Criticism
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, criticized a US body for making what he described as “disparaging and inflammatory remarks” about India. This statement highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding public perceptions and diplomatic discourse.
USCIRF chair Asif Mahmood – a Pakistan-born American citizen who has maintained close ties with his homeland’s political and diplomatic leadership – had opposed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s upcoming visit to the US and called upon the US government to impose sanctions on the RSS. The USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan US federal government agency. It makes policy recommendations to the US President, the Secretary of State, and Congress, and tracks their implementation.
Bhagwat is scheduled to visit New York on August 29.
“Instead, the USG (US Government) should focus on imposing sanctions on RSS members found responsible for FoRB (freedom of religious belief) violations,” the US body said.
