A US government advisory body has sparked fresh debate after recommending sanctions against India’s intelligence agency and a major socio-cultural organisation, citing concerns over religious freedom in the country.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released its annual report highlighting what it described as a continued decline in religious freedom in India during 2025.
In its findings, the commission suggested that the United States government consider targeted sanctions against India’s external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The recommendations are part of a broader set of proposals urging Washington to reassess aspects of its diplomatic, security and trade relationship with India.
Report Flags ‘Deteriorating’ Religious Freedom
According to the USCIRF report, religious freedom conditions in India worsened during 2025.
The commission claimed that the Indian government introduced and enforced legislation that it said targeted religious minority communities and their places of worship.
“In 2025, religious freedom in the country continued to deteriorate,” the report stated, pointing to several developments that it believes contributed to the situation.
The commission also urged the US government to designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a classification under the International Religious Freedom Act that is reserved for countries accused of systematic or severe violations of religious freedom.
Recommendations for Sanctions and Policy Changes
Among the most significant recommendations in the report is the call for targeted sanctions against individuals and organisations that the commission believes are responsible for or tolerant of violations of religious freedom.
These sanctions could include freezing assets and restricting entry into the United States.
The commission also recommended linking future US security assistance and bilateral trade policies with India to improvements in religious freedom protections.
Another suggestion in the report is invoking provisions under the Arms Export Control Act to halt arms sales to India if concerns over rights violations continue.
Additionally, the commission called on the US Congress to revive the Transnational Repression Reporting Act of 2024, which would require annual reporting on alleged acts of transnational repression targeting religious minorities.
Incidents Cited in the Report
The USCIRF report referred to several incidents and developments across India to support its conclusions.
Among them were references to tensions in Maharashtra following calls by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad regarding the removal of the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The report also mentioned alleged attacks on Christian families in Odisha and other incidents involving religious communities.
Another issue cited was the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent rise in tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to the commission, the attack intensified anti-Muslim sentiment in some parts of India and was followed by actions targeting migrants and minority groups.
The report also highlighted legislative developments, including the introduction of the Waqf Bill and the expansion of anti-conversion laws in several Indian states.
Long-Standing Criticism From the Commission
This is not the first time the USCIRF has criticised organisations associated with Hindu nationalist movements.
In its earlier reports, including one published in 2015, the commission alleged that groups linked to the RSS and VHP had been involved in or connected to incidents of violence against religious minorities.
However, the latest report goes further than previous assessments by recommending sanctions against specific organisations.
The move marks one of the strongest positions taken by the commission in recent years regarding India.
India Has Rejected Similar Reports Before
The Indian government has consistently rejected criticisms made in previous USCIRF reports.
Last year, New Delhi dismissed the commission’s findings, accusing it of misrepresenting facts and spreading what it described as deliberate misinformation.US Panel Urges Sanctions on RAW and RSS, Raises Concerns Over Religious Freedom in IndiaLast year, New Delhi dismissed the commission’s findings, accusing it of misrepresenting facts and spreading what it described as deliberate misinformation.
Indian officials have repeatedly stated that the country’s constitution guarantees religious freedom and that its democratic institutions ensure protection for all communities.
Despite the criticism, India and the United States continue to maintain strong strategic ties across defence, trade and technology sectors.
However, reports such as these often trigger diplomatic discussions and political debate over human rights and religious freedoms.
The USCIRF report, while advisory in nature, is likely to add another layer of scrutiny to the evolving relationship between the two countries.
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