India has firmly rejected a report released by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which highlighted what it described as “increasing abuses” against religious minorities in India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has characterized the report as “biased” and accused the USCIRF of pushing a “motivated narrative.”
Response from the Ministry of External Affairs
In response to media inquiries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Our views on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) are well known. It is a biased organization with a political agenda.” He further asserted that the report is malicious and serves only to discredit the USCIRF.
Highlights of the USCIRF Report
Key Recommendations: The USCIRF’s annual report recommended that India be designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to alleged “severe violations of religious freedom.” The report cited various incidents, including violence against religious minorities and the demolition of homes and places of worship.
Specific Allegations: The report claimed that India’s legal framework, which includes the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and various state-level anti-conversion laws, is being used to disenfranchise religious minorities. It stated that throughout 2024, there have been instances of individuals being killed, beaten, and lynched by vigilante groups, as well as arbitrary arrests of religious leaders and the destruction of homes and places of worship. According to the USCIRF, these incidents constitute particularly severe violations of religious freedom.
India’s Call for Focus on Domestic Issues
In light of the report, Jaiswal urged the USCIRF to “desist from such agenda-driven efforts.” He recommended that the commission focus on addressing human rights issues within the United States instead. “The USCIRF would also be well advised to utilize its time more productively on addressing human rights issues in the United States,” he stated.
Historical Context
Since the previous government led by Manmohan Singh, India has consistently denied visas to USCIRF members, citing concerns over interference in its internal affairs. Indian authorities and various Indian-American groups have previously accused the USCIRF of biased, unscientific, and agenda-driven reporting aimed at maligning the country.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What does USCIRF stand for?
A) United States Council on International Religious Freedom
B) U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
C) United States Committee for International Religious Freedom
D) U.S. Commission for International Relations
Answer: B) U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom - What was India’s response to the USCIRF report?
A) Acceptance of the findings
B) Rejection and claims of bias
C) Request for a follow-up investigation
D) Agreement to collaborate with USCIRF
Answer: B) Rejection and claims of bias - Which act is mentioned in the USCIRF report as being used to disenfranchise religious minorities in India?
A) Right to Information Act
B) Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
C) Protection of Civil Rights Act
D) Juvenile Justice Act
Answer: B) Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) - What did MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal advise the USCIRF to do?
A) Focus more on international relations
B) Address human rights issues in the U.S.
C) Apologize for the report
D) Work with India on religious freedom
Answer: B) Address human rights issues in the U.S. - Since which government has India denied visas to USCIRF members?
A) Narendra Modi-led government
B) Manmohan Singh-led government
C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government
D) Rajiv Gandhi-led government
Answer: B) Manmohan Singh-led government