There is a growing concern about the mistreatment of minorities in India, as stated by a US commission monitoring international religious freedom on Tuesday. The commission accused India's intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), of conspiring to assassinate Sikh separatists and recommended targeted sanctions against it.
However, India firmly rejected the USCIRF report, calling for the commission itself to be declared a 'matter of concern.' In a strong statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that attempts to undermine India's image as a symbol of democracy and tolerance would fail. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the USCIRF's latest report as a continued pattern of 'biased and politically motivated assessments.'
According to Reuters, the commission's annual report highlighted that communist-ruled Vietnam has also increased efforts to regulate religious affairs. The report recommended Vietnam be designated as a 'country of particular concern,' as both the US and Vietnam seek to unite against China's growing influence.
Analysts note that Washington considers New Delhi a key ally against China's rise, thus often overlooking human rights issues in India. Nevertheless, it is unlikely the US government will impose sanctions against RAW, as the commission's recommendations are non-binding.
Since 2023, alleged efforts by India to target Sikh separatists in the US and Canada have introduced new challenges in US-India relations, leading Washington to arrest former Indian intelligence officer Vikas Yadav on charges of plotting a failed conspiracy in the US. India views Sikh separatists as a security threat and denies any involvement in the accusations.
Additionally, the report criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for spreading hate speech and misinformation against Muslims and other religious minorities during last year's election campaign.
