The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said on Wednesday it is concerned about the visit of Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and recommended targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials it alleges have been involved in religious freedom violations.
USCIRF specifically urged U.S. authorities to consider measures that could include revoking the visa issued to Bhagwat, who is currently in the United States and scheduled to speak at an event in New York City on Saturday.
Asif Mahmood, chair of USCIRF, made the appeal in a written statement. "We urge the U.S. government to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials complicit in religious freedom violations, including revoking the visa issued to Mohan Bhagwat," Mahmood said.
The RSS is a prominent Hindu organisation from which India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) traces its ideological origins. In May, the RSS said it had organised foreign trips in part to counter perceptions that it functions as a paramilitary outfit involved in attacks on minorities.
USCIRF operates as a bipartisan U.S. government advisory body that monitors religious freedom internationally and issues policy recommendations. Those recommendations are not binding, and the commission noted that the U.S. government has not previously imposed sanctions in response to some of its recent recommendations.
India’s foreign ministry rejected the USCIRF assertions and described the panel as biased against the country. Rights organisations maintain that the RSS advances a majoritarian ideology that has encouraged intolerance toward minority communities. The RSS, for its part, rejects charges of intolerance and characterises itself as a "Hindu centric civilisational, cultural movement" that seeks to unite Hindus and lead India to what it describes as the pinnacle of glory.
U.N. agencies and other human rights groups cited by observers say abuses affecting minorities in India have increased in recent years. They point to a rise in hate speech, a citizenship law based on religion, the demolition of properties owned by Muslims, the removal of autonomy from Muslim-majority Kashmir, and anti-conversion legislation that critics say undermines freedom of belief.
The BJP-led government in New Delhi rejects accusations of discrimination and says its policies - including food subsidy schemes and efforts to expand electrification - are intended to benefit all communities.
Contextual note: The commission's recommendation is advisory and non-binding. Washington has not automatically implemented USCIRF's past recommendations.