New Delhi: A report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that claimed “serious violations” of religious freedom in the nation was strongly denounced by India on Tuesday as “biassed” and “motivated.” Arindam Bagchi, a spokesman for the External Affairs Ministry, stated that the Commission keeps repeating similar statements, and India condemns the “misrepresentation of facts” that only serves to “discredit USCIRF itself.”
Arindam Bagchi requested that ‘USCIRF gain a deeper understanding of India
In its annual report on religious freedom, the USCIRF requested that the US State Department list India with a number of other countries as a “country of particular concern” for the condition of religious freedom. Similar suggestions from the USCIRF to the State Department have not been followed after 2020. Additionally, Arindam Bagchi requested that ‘USCIRF gain a deeper understanding of India, its diversity, and its democratic ethos. In its 2023 annual report, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom “continues to regurgitate biassed and driven comments regarding India,’ he claimed. ‘We condemn such factual falsification, which only helps to undermine USCIRF,’ continued Bagchi.
Congress hold hearings on the subject of religious freedom
The US Commission also recommended the Biden administration to implement targeted sanctions, including the freezing of assets, on Indian government organisations and officials accountable for “serious abuses” of religious freedom in the nation. Additionally, it suggested that Congress hold hearings on the subject of religious freedom and bring it up during bilateral meetings between the US and India. In order to better comprehend India, its diversity, democratic culture, and constitutional systems, he urged USCIRF to stop making such attempts. The State Department is not required to follow USCIRF’s recommendations. In the India part of its most recent study, the USCIRF claimed that in 2022, conditions for religious freedom in India will continue to deteriorate.
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