India Slams USCIRF Over Call for RSS Sanctions: MEA Says US Body Is ‘Biased’

India has strongly criticised the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) after the US body called for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described USCIRF as a “biased organisation” and questioned its credibility, saying the body has repeatedly made what India considers disparaging remarks about the country.

🇮🇳 India Rejects USCIRF's Remarks

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India does not expect USCIRF to properly understand the country's pluralistic framework and the coexistence of different communities.

Jaiswal argued that the organisation has its own agenda and said India should keep away from organisations that lack credibility.

The remarks came after USCIRF urged the US government to consider sanctions against RSS members allegedly responsible for violations of religious freedom.

🇺🇸 USCIRF Calls for Possible Sanctions

USCIRF has called on Washington to consider targeted sanctions against individuals associated with the RSS whom it believes are responsible for religious-freedom violations.

The commission also urged the US government not to extend diplomatic courtesies to RSS leaders.

The development has attracted attention because RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to visit New York on August 29.

USCIRF has previously raised concerns about religious freedom in India and recommended that the US consider additional measures against individuals and organisations it holds responsible for alleged violations.

What Is USCIRF?

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan US federal government commission that monitors religious-freedom conditions around the world.

It provides policy recommendations to the US President, Secretary of State and US Congress.

However, its recommendations are not the same as an automatic decision by the US government to impose sanctions.

Hindu Advocacy Group Criticises USCIRF

The controversy has also triggered criticism from HinduPACT, a US-based Hindu advocacy organisation.

The group accused USCIRF members of unfairly targeting the RSS and criticised the commission's opposition to Mohan Bhagwat's planned US visit.

HinduPACT argued that the organisation's comments reflected what it described as an anti-Hindu narrative.

Will the US Impose Sanctions on RSS?

USCIRF's recommendation does not itself mean that sanctions have been imposed on the RSS.

Any actual sanctions or other US government measures would require action through the relevant US government authorities.

The issue could therefore become a fresh point of tension in India-US relations, particularly as discussions over religious freedom and diplomatic relations continue.