India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a strong rebuke of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, labeling its recent report as “biased and politically motivated.” The ministry further asserted that the USCIRF should itself be classified as an “entity of concern.” The report from USCIRF suggested that India be categorized as a “country of particular concern” due to purported violations of religious freedom and recommended imposing targeted sanctions on India’s foreign intelligence agency, RAW (Research and Analysis Wing). It also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of promoting hateful rhetoric and misinformation against Muslims and other religious minorities. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked, “We have reviewed the newly released report, which continues to misrepresent isolated incidents and undermine India’s vibrant multicultural society.” He went on to accuse the US commission of pursuing a specific agenda rather than genuinely supporting religious freedom. “We do not expect USCIRF to recognize India’s dedication to democracy and tolerance. Attempts to diminish India’s global reputation will not prevail,” he stated.
