MEA calls USCIRF findings biased and selective; New Delhi flags temple attacks in US, questions panel’s credibility and intent
New Delhi: India strongly rejected a report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that recommended sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) termed the findings “motivated” and “biased,” asserting that the report presents a distorted view of India’s ground realities. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the commission has consistently relied on questionable sources and ideological narratives rather than objective facts.
The USCIRF’s 2026 annual report, which reviews developments in 2025, urged the US government to designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing alleged violations of religious freedom. It also proposed targeted sanctions, including asset freezes and visa restrictions, against specific entities such as the RSS and RAW.
Responding sharply, India questioned the credibility of the commission and reiterated that such repeated misrepresentations undermine its own standing. The government has long maintained that USCIRF functions with political bias.
In a pointed counter, New Delhi also highlighted incidents of vandalism and attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, along with concerns over rising hostility towards the Indian diaspora. Officials said these issues warrant serious attention from American authorities.
The USCIRF report alleged a decline in religious freedom conditions in India, citing anti-conversion laws, communal tensions, and actions against minority communities. However, India dismissed these claims as misleading and not reflective of its pluralistic society. While the commission’s recommendations are advisory, the final decision rests with the US administration.
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