US Religious Freedom Commission Calls for India to Be Designated as , Country of Particular Concern
May 2026 | By Azad News
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has once again urged the US State Department to designate India as a “country of particular concern” over what it described as worsening religious freedom conditions in the country.
The issue was discussed during a hearing in Washington where commissioners, lawmakers, legal experts, and academics examined the situation facing religious minorities in India, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Dalit communities.
USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler stated that religious freedom conditions in India had continued to deteriorate, alleging that violations were being facilitated or tolerated through discriminatory laws and failures to prevent attacks on minority communities.
She highlighted the expansion of anti-conversion laws across several Indian states, noting that some of these laws include severe punishments, including life imprisonment, for individuals accused of facilitating religious conversions.
USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood also raised concerns regarding alleged transnational repression, claiming that critics and religious minority advocates outside India had faced surveillance, intimidation, and threats.
US Congressman Chris Smith criticised India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), warning that proposed amendments could increase government authority over non-governmental organisations, including religious institutions, schools, and healthcare systems.
Former US ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice Stephen Rapp described what he called a growing normalisation of violence against minorities and expressed concern over the lack of accountability for perpetrators.
Academics and human rights experts participating in the hearing also raised concerns about alleged discrimination, internet shutdowns, restrictions on civil society organisations, and pressure on activists and journalists.
Some speakers referred to incidents involving Sikh activists abroad and allegations of transnational targeting of critics linked to the Indian government, although Indian authorities have repeatedly rejected such accusations in the past.
The hearing additionally addressed the treatment of Rohingya refugees and Bengali Muslims, with rights advocates alleging forced deportations and harsh security measures affecting vulnerable communities.
India has consistently rejected international criticism regarding its human rights and religious freedom record, maintaining that its constitution guarantees equal rights and protections for all citizens regardless of faith.
Conclusion
The USCIRF hearing has renewed international debate over religious freedom and minority rights in India, with calls for increased scrutiny and diplomatic engagement continuing amid ongoing disagreements over human rights concerns.
This article is a rewritten summary based on publicly available information. It has been fully paraphrased for informational purposes only and does not reproduce any original copyrighted text.
