religious freedom
The Indian government on Friday categorically rejected the US State Department’s 2023 report on religious freedom in India, labeling it as “deeply biased” and lacking a nuanced understanding of the country’s complex social fabric.
The report, released on Wednesday, highlighted numerous instances of violent attacks on minority groups, including Muslims and Christians, resulting in killings, assaults, and vandalism of places of worship.
The Indian government’s response was swift and decisive, dismissing the report as “lacking understanding” and “driven by vote bank considerations and a prescriptive outlook.”
The government asserted that the report challenged the integrity of India’s judiciary and selectively presented incidents to perpetuate a preconceived narrative.
The US report detailed various incidents, including the violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023 and a fatal shooting incident on a train near Mumbai, which resulted in the deaths of three Muslims and a security official.
Additionally, the report cited examples of attacks on Muslims based on allegations of cow slaughter and beef trading.
India also highlighted its efforts to address hate crimes and racial attacks against its citizens and other minorities in the US, stating that it had officially taken up these cases with the US authorities.
However, the government emphasized that such dialogues should not be used as a pretext for foreign interference in India’s internal affairs.
The rejection of the report by India is not unexpected, given the close economic ties and strategic partnership between the two nations.
Political analysts note that the US is often restrained in its criticism of India due to New Delhi’s importance in countering China’s growing influence in the region.
The Indian government’s response underscores its sensitivity to external criticism on issues related to religious freedom and minority rights.
The government’s assertion that the report lacks understanding of India’s social fabric suggests that it views the US report as an unwarranted intrusion into its internal affairs.
The rejection of the report is likely to be seen as a reassertion of India’s sovereignty and its commitment to addressing internal issues without external interference.
