USCIRF Accuses India of Discriminating Against Religious Minorities, Calls for Ban on RAW in the US

In its annual report, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has alleged that religious freedom conditions in India continue to deteriorate, with increasing attacks and discrimination against religious minorities, Muslim Mirror reported.

The report, released on Tuesday, details how the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have propagated “hateful rhetoric and disinformation against Muslims and other religious minorities” during elections. The commission has accused the Indian government of inciting Hindus against Muslims and other minorities.

Highlighting the violations of religious freedom, the USCIRF has designated India as a “country of particular concern,” a status it also recommends for Vietnam. The report states that in 2024, “religious freedom conditions in India continue to deteriorate as attacks and discrimination against religious minorities continue to rise.”

The commission has also alleged that India’s foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), was involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist in the US, and has called for a ban on RAW’s operations in the country.

However, Prime Minister Modi has denied any discrimination against minorities, stating that his government’s schemes are beneficial for all communities, regardless of religion. The Indian government has dismissed the USCIRF report as “deeply biased and politically motivated.”

The report’s findings come amid concerns over the imposition of stringent laws on Muslim religious practices, such as restrictions on Eid prayers and the use of loudspeakers, in the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. Activists and critics have accused the authorities of selectively targeting Muslim festivals and cornering the community.