India on Wednesday, March 26, strongly criticised the 2025 Annual Report released by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), calling it "biased and politically motivated."
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the USCIRF should itself be designated as an "entity of concern" for attempting to undermine India's democratic credentials. The response comes after the USCIRF report alleged a rise in attacks on minorities in India in 2024.
MEA's Statement On the USCIRF Report
According to PTI, Jaiswal criticised the USCIRF for its "persistent attempts to misrepresent isolated incidents" and push a "deliberate agenda rather than a genuine concern for religious freedom." Adding that India is a diverse and inclusive society, he added, "India is home to 1.4 billion people who are adherents to all religions known to mankind."
Jaiswal further claimed that the USCIRF fails to recognise India's pluralistic framework and the "harmonious coexistence" of its communities. The MEA asserted that "such efforts to undermine India’s standing as a beacon of democracy and tolerance will not succeed" and reiterated that the USCIRF itself should be designated as an "entity of concern."
What Does USCIRF Do? What Did the 2025 Report Reveal?
USCIRF is an independent US federal agency established under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. The agency advises the US President, Secretary of State, and Congress on global religious freedom issues. Its commissioners are appointed by the President and congressional leaders from both parties.
The USCIRF report claimed a decline in religious freedom in India, citing increased attacks and discrimination against minorities, fueled by political rhetoric. It also highlighted the alleged misuse of laws like UAPA and FCRA to suppress civil society, journalists, and certain religious groups.
The report further criticised the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), claiming they sparked fears among Muslims over citizenship rights.
It also pointed to the demolition of mosques, anti-conversion laws, and cow slaughter laws allegedly used to target minorities. Additionally, it accused the Indian government of repressing Sikh activists abroad, referencing allegations linking Indian officials to the 2023 assassination attempt on a Sikh activist in the US.
It also reported the ongoing violence between Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur, adding that the prolonged clash led to the destruction of thousands of homes.
"This report highlights how, throughout 2024, individuals have been killed, beaten, and lynched by vigilante groups, religious leaders have been arbitrarily arrested, and homes and places of worship have been demolished," the USCIRF claimed.
