US Body Opposes Mohan Bhagwat US Visit, Calls for RSS Sanctions
· World · Hindustan Times, News18, LiveMint
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) publicly opposed the upcoming visit of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to New York later this month. In a statement released on X, USCIRF members urged the US government to impose sanctions on RSS members found guilty of violating religious freedoms. Chair Asif Mahmood noted that India’s Prime Minister is an RSS member and that the organization’s sub‑groups have carried out attacks on Christians and Muslims. Gene Mills added that RSS leaders should not enjoy diplomatic courtesies and should instead be sanctioned. Earlier this year USCIRF recommended sanctions against India’s external intelligence agency and the RSS and suggested linking US security assistance and trade policy to religious freedom. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued a formal reply but has previously disputed USCIRF’s findings.
Why it matters
USCIRF’s position could affect US policy toward India, potentially leading to sanctions on RSS members and influencing trade and security cooperation, thereby impacting diplomatic ties and the protection of religious minorities in India.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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