India Slams US Report on Religious Freedom, Deems Commission ‘Entity of Concern’ Over ‘Biased’ Assumptions

India Rejects US Commission on International Religious Freedom Report, Calls it "Biased and Politically Motivated"

The Indian government has sharply rejected the US Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) latest report, calling it "biased and politically motivated." The ministry of external affairs has lashed out at the panel, accusing it of perpetuating a pattern of issuing flawed and partisan assessments of religious freedom worldwide.

According to the ministry, the USCIRF’s 2025 annual report continues to demonstrate a pattern of issuing biased and politically motivated assessments. "It is unfortunate that the USCIRF persistently attempts to misrepresent isolated incidents and cast aspersions on India’s vibrant multicultural society, reflecting a deliberate agenda rather than a genuine concern for religious freedom," the ministry stated.

The Indian government has reiterated its previous stance, categorically rejecting the USCIRF report as lacking objectivity and interference in India’s sovereignty. "India is home to 1.4 billion people who adhere to all known religions, yet we have no expectation that the USCIRF will engage with the reality of India’s pluralistic framework or acknowledge the harmonious coexistence of its diverse communities," the ministry emphasized.

The government further accused the USCIRF of attempting to undermine India’s standing as a beacon of democracy and tolerance, and emphasized that such efforts will not succeed. "It is the USCIRF that should be designated as an entity of concern," the ministry concluded.

For its part, the USCIRF has been a vocal critic of Indian government policies and practices on religious freedom, particularly with regard to minority communities. However, the Indian government maintains that its actions are aimed at preserving national security and societal cohesion, and that the USCIRF’s criticisms are misinformed and politically motivated.

As the dispute between India and the USCIRF continues to escalate, it remains to be seen whether both sides will find common ground or if the impasse will deepen, leading to further regional and international tensions.

Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-terms-us-religious-freedom-report-bias-calls-panel-entity-of-concern/articleshow/119535579.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-03-26 17:08:00