India Rejects USCIRF Call for Sanctions on RSS, Terms US Body ‘Biased’ and Lacking Credibility

India has strongly rejected a call by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) seeking sanctions against members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), describing the American body as “biased” and lacking credibility. The development comes ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s planned visit to New York and other countries later this month.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticised the USCIRF over its latest remarks, arguing that the commission has repeatedly made what New Delhi considers inaccurate assessments about religious freedom and social conditions in India. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India does not attach credibility to the organisation’s observations, pointing to what he described as its consistent pattern of making politically motivated comments.

The USCIRF had called on the US government to consider imposing targeted sanctions on members of the RSS and had urged Washington to avoid extending high-level diplomatic courtesies to RSS representatives. The commission’s recommendations were linked to allegations concerning religious freedom and the treatment of minority communities in India.

Responding to the remarks, the MEA said India’s social fabric is based on pluralism and coexistence among different communities. The government maintained that organisations and institutions outside India should not attempt to impose their own assessments on the country without adequately understanding its constitutional framework and social diversity.

The latest exchange has taken place shortly before Bhagwat’s scheduled overseas tour. The RSS chief is expected to travel to the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom from August 25 as part of programmes marking the organisation’s centenary year. His visit is expected to include interactions with members of the Indian diaspora and meetings with community organisations.

India, however, has consistently rejected several USCIRF assessments, questioning the commission’s methodology and impartiality. The MEA’s latest response follows that broader position, with the government arguing that the body’s statements do not reflect the realities of India’s diverse society.

The controversy has also drawn a response from Hindu advocacy groups in the United States. HinduPACT criticised the USCIRF’s position and accused the commission of promoting what it described as an anti-Hindu narrative. The organisation also questioned the commission’s approach to issues involving India and the RSS. The dispute comes at a time when the RSS is preparing to mark 100 years since its establishment. Bhagwat’s international engagements during the centenary year are expected to focus on connecting with the Indian diaspora and discussing the organisation’s activities and vision.