U.S. religious freedom body seeks sanctions against RSS, no high-level meetings with its leaders

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged the American government to impose sanctions on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and refrain from extending diplomatic courtesies to its leaders. USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a member of the RSS, described it as an umbrella organization responsible for attacks on religious minorities, including Christians and Muslims.

The next day, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat will visit the U.S. to participate in the 'Universal Oneness Celebrations' organized by AHEAD in New York. USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills emphasized that even affiliated with the Indian government, RSS leaders should not receive high-level meetings or diplomatic courtesies. Instead, the U.S. Government should focus on imposing sanctions on RSS members found responsible for freedom of religious belief violations.

The advocacy group Hindus for Human Rights condemned Bhagwat's visit, stating that it is closely tied to the RSS network's violence against religious minorities. In March, USCIRF's annual report criticized India for alleged violations of religious freedom and recommended targeted sanctions on the RSS and other entities. India, however, dismissed the USCIRF report, alleging that it has presented a "distorted and selective" picture of the country using "questionable sources and ideological narratives."