USCIRF officials have urged the US government not to accord diplomatic honors to RSS leaders or hold high-level meetings with them.
US में RSS पर बैन की मांग, अमेरिकी अंतरराष्ट्रीय धार्मिक स्वतंत्रता आयोग बोला ‘न दिया जाए राजनयिक सम्मान’
Officials from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)—an advisory body on religious freedom—have made significant statements regarding the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Commission officials have urged the US government not to accord diplomatic honors to the RSS or hold high-level meetings with its representatives. They have also demanded sanctions against RSS members found responsible for alleged violations of religious freedom.
USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood described the RSS as an expansive organization and alleged that some of its affiliate groups have been implicated in attacks against religious minorities, particularly Christians and Muslims. He also noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s association with the RSS.
Statement ahead of Mohan Bhagwat’s US visit
These remarks by the USCIRF come a few weeks before the scheduled US visit of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Bhagwat is set to attend the ‘Universal Oneness Celebrations’ event in New York on August 29. The event is being organized by ‘American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue’ (AHEAD).
USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills stated that RSS leaders—even those with ties to the Indian government—should not be accorded honors through high-level meetings or diplomatic courtesies in the US. She said the US government should instead focus on taking action against RSS members found responsible for religious freedom violations. The USCIRF also shared the comments made by Mahmood and Mills on its official ‘X’ account.
Questions regarding India raised in USCIRF reports as well
This is not the first time the USCIRF has raised questions regarding religious freedom in India. In its annual report released in March, the commission expressed concern over the state of religious freedom in the country. The report recommended imposing ‘targeted sanctions’ against certain entities and individuals, including the RSS and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
The Indian government has previously dismissed such comments and reports by the USCIRF. The Ministry of External Affairs had accused the commission of presenting a ‘distorted and selective picture’ of India’s situation. The Ministry stated that USCIRF’s reports are based on dubious sources and ideological assumptions.
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