The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged targeted sanctions against India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). The commission accused R&AW of plotting assassinations against Sikh separatists. According to Reuters, the panel also claimed that religious minorities in India face worsening conditions.
In its annual report released on Tuesday, the panel recommended that the US government designate India as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom violations. However, India has not yet responded to this recommendation.
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Vietnam Also Under Scrutiny
The commission also criticized communist-ruled Vietnam for tightening control over religious activities. Like India, Vietnam has strengthened ties with Washington due to shared concerns about China. The panel suggested that Vietnam should also be labeled a “country of particular concern.”
US-India Tensions Over Sikh Separatists
Since 2023, tensions between the US and India have increased over allegations that India targeted Sikh separatists in the US and Canada. The issue escalated when Washington charged former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav in connection with a foiled assassination plot against pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
India views Sikh separatists as a security threat but has strongly denied any involvement in such operations.
Allegations Against Modi and BJP
The USCIRF report claimed that religious freedom in India declined further in 2024. It accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of promoting “hateful rhetoric and disinformation against Muslims and other religious minorities” during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.
The US State Department has repeatedly highlighted minority rights concerns in its human rights and religious freedom reports. However, India has dismissed these findings as “deeply biased.”
India Denies Discrimination
The Indian government has rejected all allegations of discrimination. Officials insist that policies such as electrification drives and subsidy schemes benefit all communities equally, regardless of religion.
