A recent report from a U.S. government panel has raised serious concerns about the condition of religious minorities in India. The report states that discrimination and attacks on minorities have increased, and it has recommended sanctions against India’s external intelligence agency for its alleged involvement in assassination plots.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has said that the treatment of religious minorities in India has worsened over the past year. The report highlights that minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, have faced rising discrimination. It also points out that controversial laws and policies have contributed to religious divisions.
The panel claims that hateful speech against minorities has been used in political campaigns. It also highlights concerns over a citizenship law that has been criticized for favoring one religious group over others. Additionally, the report mentions laws that make it harder for people to convert to a different religion. The U.S. panel says that these developments have made religious freedom in India weaker.
India’s Spectrum Tax Could be a Setback for Musk’s Starlink Expansion
The Indian government has strongly denied these accusations. It has stated that its policies aim to benefit all citizens equally, regardless of their religion. India also argues that the report is unfair and does not present the complete picture. Officials say that government programs, such as those for electricity and subsidies, help all communities without discrimination.
U.S. Panel Recommends Sanctions on Indian Intelligence Agency
One of the most serious claims in the report is related to India’s intelligence agency. The U.S. panel has recommended that the U.S. government take action against India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) for its alleged involvement in assassination plots against Sikh separatists abroad. The panel’s recommendations include targeted sanctions against specific individuals and groups.
The report refers to a case where an ex-Indian intelligence officer was charged in a failed plot to kill a Sikh separatist in the U.S. Similar accusations have surfaced in Canada, further straining India’s relations with other countries. India has denied any involvement in these incidents and maintains that it sees Sikh separatists as a security threat.
Chinese Naval Fleet Visits Vietnam After Talks on Joint Patrols
Despite the panel’s recommendations, it is unlikely that the U.S. government will take strict action against India. Washington sees India as an important ally in balancing China’s influence in Asia. Because of this, experts believe the U.S. government may choose to ignore or downplay the panel’s suggestions. The report itself is advisory, meaning it does not have the power to enforce any sanctions unless the U.S. government acts on it.
The Indian embassy has not yet issued a statement in response to these specific allegations. However, in the past, India has dismissed such claims, calling them politically motivated and based on incomplete information.
Vietnam Also Under Scrutiny for Religious Restrictions
Apart from India, the report also criticizes Vietnam for restricting religious freedom. The panel has stated that the Vietnamese government has introduced new rules to control religious groups more strictly. These rules allow authorities to demand financial records from religious organizations and even stop their activities if they are seen as violating vague regulations.
High Tariffs: India Charges 150% on U.S. Alcohol, 100% on Farm Goods
The report highlights that over 80 people in Vietnam have been jailed for their religious beliefs or for speaking out in favor of religious freedom. According to the panel, religious communities in Vietnam are facing increasing pressure, and their ability to practice their faith freely is being restricted.
Like India, Vietnam has built strong ties with the U.S. in recent years. The U.S. sees Vietnam as a key partner in dealing with China’s growing influence. Because of this, there is uncertainty about whether Washington will act on the panel’s recommendations regarding Vietnam.
The Vietnamese embassy has not made any comments about the report. In the past, Vietnam has insisted that its policies on religion are meant to ensure social stability and are not aimed at any particular group.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom monitors religious freedom worldwide and makes recommendations to the government. However, its suggestions are not binding, meaning the government is not required to act on them. It remains to be seen how the U.S. government will respond to the panel’s latest report on India and Vietnam.
