On March 25, 2025, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a report accusing India of worsening treatment of religious minorities. The bipartisan panel recommended targeted sanctions against India’s external spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), for its alleged involvement in assassination plots against Sikh separatists abroad.
Also Read: Trump’s Tariff Threat Looms—Will It Derail the Indian Rupee’s Surge?
Why the Recommendation?
The report claims that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, attacks and discrimination against Muslims, Sikhs, and other minorities have increased. It cites hate speech by BJP leaders, a controversial citizenship law, and the demolition of Muslim properties as key concerns.
However, analysts doubt the US will act on these recommendations, given India’s strategic importance as a counter to China.
India has denied the allegations, calling USCIRF’s reports “deeply biased.” Modi’s government insists its policies benefit all communities. Meanwhile, the Indian embassy has not yet commented on the latest report.
The USCIRF also flagged Vietnam for tightening control over religious groups, recommending it too be labeled a “country of particular concern.”
What’s Next?
While the panel’s advice isn’t binding, the report adds pressure on US-India relations, already strained by allegations of Indian spy operations in the US and Canada.
Also Read: India Halts Key Gold Deposit Schemes – Find Out Why!
