'Impose sanctions against RSS': US religious freedom body opposes Bhagwat's visit

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called for sanctions against members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) instead of inviting them to high-level meetings. The call comes ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's planned visit to the US, Canada, and the UK, starting on August 25. In a post on X, USCIRF's chair Asif Mahmood and Commissioner Gene Mills expressed their concerns.

Mahmood described RSS as an umbrella organization, alleging its affiliated groups have targeted religious minorities, while Mills urged Washington to impose sanctions on RSS members responsible for violating freedom of religion or belief. This follows USCIRF's March report criticizing India for alleged religious freedom violations and recommending targeted sanctions against individuals and entities, including RSS and India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

India dismissed the report, accusing USCIRF of presenting a distorted and selective view of the country based on questionable sources and ideological narratives. Bhagwat is set to visit the US, Canada, and the UK at the invitation of various Indian diaspora associations to mark the RSS's centenary year.