U.S. religious freedom panel calls for sanctions against RSS

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent federal body, has recommended that American policymakers impose sanctions on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and refrain from holding high-level meetings with the organization's leaders.

USCIRF chair's recent statements underscored concerns about religious freedom in India, marking a shift in how the U.S. religious watchdog views the Hindu nationalist organization. The recommendation comes as RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat prepares for an upcoming visit to the United States, an event that has drawn scrutiny from religious freedom advocates.

The commission, which monitors religious freedom globally and advises the U.S. government on international religious liberty issues, has previously flagged concerns about minority rights and religious minorities in India. USCIRF's positions, while non-binding, carry weight in shaping discussions on human rights and religious freedom in U.S. policy circles.

The recommendation to avoid high-level engagement with RSS leadership signals growing tension between New Delhi and Washington over religious freedom issues. India's government and RSS representatives have repeatedly dismissed criticism from international bodies, arguing that such assessments mischaracterize the organization's activities and intentions.