The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) for alleged violations of religious freedom. This recommendation marks a significant acknowledgment of systemic issues regarding religious freedom in India, particularly as USCIRF’s report claims that conditions deteriorated in 2025.

USCIRF urged the US government to designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern” and recommended freezing assets and imposing travel bans on individuals and entities deemed responsible. The commission’s stance is not new; it has previously suggested placing India in the CPC category.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has categorically rejected USCIRF’s report, describing it as motivated and biased. Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated, “We categorically reject its motivated and biased characterisation of India,” further criticizing USCIRF for its selective criticism.

The Congress party has echoed these sentiments, asserting that the USCIRF has warned that the RSS poses a threat to people’s religious freedom. They recalled historical context, noting that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel banned the RSS following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, highlighting ongoing concerns about the organization’s impact on religious tolerance.

Jaiswal also pointed out the need for USCIRF to reflect on incidents of vandalism and attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, suggesting that the commission should address these issues rather than focusing solely on India.

USCIRF is an independent bipartisan federal commission, and while its recommendations do not automatically translate into policy, they significantly influence public understanding and policy discussions regarding religious freedom.

The 2026 report from USCIRF is seen as a new threshold in recognizing the crisis in India concerning religious freedom. Observers note that this recommendation could have lasting implications for US-India relations, particularly in the context of human rights discussions.

As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see how the US government responds to USCIRF’s recommendations and India’s rebuttal. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential actions that may follow this recommendation.

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