“Deeply Committed to Promoting Universal Respect For Freedom Of Religion”: US On Report Describing Muslims In India

The US responded to a recent news report concerning the Muslim community in India, reaffirming its commitment to promoting universal respect for freedom of religion. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that they are engaging with countries worldwide, including India, on the importance of equal treatment for all religious communities.

This statement came after The New York Times published an article titled “Strangers in Their Own Land: Being Muslim in Modi’s India,” which alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has eroded the secular framework of India. The report claimed that Muslim families face anguish and isolation as they navigate an environment increasingly questioning their identity.

A report by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) noted a 43.15% increase in the share of the Muslim population in India from 1950 to 2015. Conversely, the share of the Hindu population decreased by 7.82% during the same period.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted this report, refuting the narrative of minority suppression in India. He emphasized that perceptions suggesting minority suppression are unfounded and urged a shift away from such narratives.

The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, labeling it biased and politically motivated. The Ministry emphasized India’s diverse, pluralistic, and democratic ethos, asserting that the USCIRF’s allegations were unfounded.