USCIRF Raises Alarm Over Religious Freedom Conditions in India
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has once again called on the US government to designate India as a “country of particular concern.” The recommendation appeared in the commission’s 2026 annual report and follows growing criticism over religious freedom conditions in the country.
The issue was discussed during a public hearing in Washington. Commissioners, legal experts, lawmakers, and academics shared concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in India. Discussions focused on Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Dalit communities. Speakers also raised allegations about transnational repression against critics living abroad.
USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler stated that religious freedom conditions in India have continued to worsen. She claimed that authorities at national and regional levels have failed to stop attacks against minority groups. She also criticized the use of discriminatory laws and arbitrary detentions against religious leaders.
In addition, Hartzler pointed to anti-conversion laws enforced in several Indian states. According to her statement, 13 out of 28 states now apply strict conversion laws. Some of these laws include severe punishments, including life imprisonment, for people accused of facilitating religious conversions.
US Lawmakers and Experts Highlight Minority Rights Concerns
USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood focused on allegations of transnational repression. He claimed that Indian authorities have targeted activists and religious advocates outside the country through surveillance and intimidation. Mahmood also referred to alleged assassination attempts involving Sikh activists in North America.
US Congressman Chris Smith criticized India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. He argued that the law places pressure on civil society organizations, churches, hospitals, and schools that rely on foreign funding.
Smith warned that proposed legal amendments could allow the government to take control of assets belonging to organizations whose foreign funding licenses expire or are denied. According to him, Christian institutions could face major financial and operational risks if the amendments become law.
Former US ambassador-at-large Stephen Rapp also expressed concern about increasing violence against minorities. He stated that attacks against vulnerable communities are becoming more normalized. Furthermore, he claimed that perpetrators often avoid accountability, creating a culture of impunity.
Scholars Raise Concerns Over Violence and Transnational Repression
Several scholars and researchers also addressed the hearing. Angana Chatterji described what she called a growing polarization between majority and minority communities in India. She argued that political and religious divisions are threatening the country’s tradition of pluralism.
Meanwhile, Raqib Naik alleged large-scale abuses against Muslims and Rohingya refugees. He claimed some individuals were forcibly removed from border regions under harsh conditions.
Professor Arjun Sethi discussed alleged threats against Sikh activists living in North America. He referred to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and allegations involving Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The hearing added new attention to the ongoing debate over human rights, religious freedom, and minority protections in India. However, Indian authorities have repeatedly rejected international criticism and defended their democratic and constitutional framework.
