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India Labels USCIRF an “Entity of Concern” Amid Religious Freedom Controversy
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has criticized the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), presenting claims of bias in its reports on religious freedom and asserting the need for the USCIRF to be labeled an “entity of concern.”
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and the United States heightened recently as India urged the designation of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) as an “entity of concern.” This statement came after the USCIRF released a report alleging that religious minorities in India face deteriorating treatment. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India, represented by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, firmly rejected the report’s claims, attributing them to a politically motivated agenda. The conflict began to escalate after attacks were reported on religious minorities and a consistent pattern of “hateful rhetoric” during political campaigns in India.
India’s Stance on USCIRF Report
- India’s MEA characterized the USCIRF report as “biased and politically motivated.”
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that efforts to undermine India’s democratic standing will not prevail.
- The Indian government has historically dismissed similar reports as agenda-driven.
Key Allegations from the USCIRF Report
The USCIRF’s 2025 report contains several significant allegations, including:
- A rise in attacks and discrimination against religious minorities in India throughout 2024.
- Accusations against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for promoting “hateful rhetoric” during the Lok Sabha election campaign.
- Recommendations for sanctions against India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) over alleged involvement in murder plots against Sikh separatists, notably related to the case of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
- A call for the United States to classify India as a “country of particular concern” with respect to religious freedom violations.
The tensions escalated further when a former RAW agent was charged in the US for being involved in a foiled assassination plot against a Khalistani terrorist, an issue that has historically strained India’s relationships with countries like the United States and Canada.
In conclusion, India’s assertive response to the USCIRF report reflects its ongoing commitment to uphold its narrative of religious freedom and multiculturalism, despite facing international scrutiny. The frictions in US-India relations may continue as both nations navigate these complex issues in the realm of religious rights and national sovereignty.
Keywords: India, USCIRF, religious freedom, MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, Sikh separatists, RAW, BJP, diplomatic tensions, political rhetoric
Hashtags: #India #USCIRF #ReligiousFreedom #Diplomacy #BJP #HinduMuslimRelations #InternationalRelations
