A US religious freedom panel has raised concerns about the visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. Bhagwat is currently visiting the United States and is scheduled to speak at an event in New York City on Saturday.
The RSS serves as the ideological parent of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP emerged from the wider ideological movement associated with the organisation.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged Washington to consider sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials.
“We urge the US government to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials complicit in religious freedom violations, including revoking the visa issued to Mohan Bhagwat,” USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood said.
Concerns Over Religious Freedom
USCIRF is a bipartisan US government body that monitors religious freedom worldwide. It also provides policy recommendations to the US government.
However, its recommendations do not have binding legal force. Washington has also not imposed sanctions following recent recommendations from the commission.
The RSS has faced criticism from rights groups over its ideology and treatment of religious minorities. Rights organisations have accused the group of promoting majoritarian views that contribute to intolerance.
The organisation rejects those allegations. It describes itself as a “Hindu centric civilisational, cultural movement” focused on uniting Hindus.
The RSS also said it has organised overseas visits to counter perceptions that it functions as a paramilitary organisation involved in attacks against minorities.
India Rejects Allegations
India’s foreign ministry has previously rejected USCIRF’s assertions. It has described the commission as biased in its assessment of religious freedom in India. Meanwhile, the United Nations and various human rights organisations have raised concerns about the treatment of minorities in India.
They have pointed to increased hate speech and policies affecting religious minorities. Concerns have also included India’s religion-based citizenship law and the demolition of properties owned by Muslims. Rights groups have further highlighted the removal of Muslim-majority Kashmir’s special status and anti-conversion laws.
The BJP-led government denies discriminating against minorities. It maintains that its welfare policies benefit citizens across religious communities. As Bhagwat’s US visit continues, the dispute has again drawn attention to concerns surrounding religious freedom in India and the international scrutiny facing the RSS.
