US advisory body calls for sanctions on RSS leaders ahead of Bhagwat's visit
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged the US government to impose sanctions on members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) instead of granting them high-level meetings or diplomatic courtesies. The statement comes ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's three-nation tour to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, scheduled to begin on August 25.
In a post on X, the commission shared remarks from its chair, Asif Mahmood, a Pakistani-American physician, and Commissioner Gene Mills. Mahmood described the RSS—the ideological parent of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—as an umbrella organisation, alleging that its affiliated groups have carried out attacks on religious minorities. Mills added that RSS leaders, even when affiliated with the Indian government, should not receive high-level meetings or diplomatic courtesies. Instead, he urged Washington to focus on imposing sanctions on RSS members found responsible for violations of freedom of religion or belief.
The latest comments follow USCIRF's annual report released in March, in which the commission criticised India over alleged religious freedom violations and backed 'targeted sanctions' against individuals and entities, including the RSS and India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). India's government firmly rejected the report, accusing the watchdog of presenting a 'distorted and selective' picture of the country based on 'questionable sources and ideological narratives.'
USCIRF is a federal government agency, but its role is purely advisory, and its recommendations are non-binding. The commission's statements do not carry the force of law but are often used to signal concerns to the US State Department and Congress.
Bhagwat's visit is being undertaken at the invitation of various local associations and organisations associated with the Indian diaspora. The trip coincides with the RSS's centenary year. During his stay, he is expected to interact with members of the Indian diaspora and representatives of local organisations in the three countries.
The RSS has not yet responded publicly to USCIRF's latest comments. However, in the past, the organisation has dismissed such allegations as unfounded and driven by a misunderstanding of its volunteer-based cultural work.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions between Indian and American perspectives on religious freedom. While the US commission has repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in India, New Delhi maintains that its constitutional framework guarantees equal rights to all citizens and that external criticism is often based on incomplete information.
The visit, if it proceeds as scheduled, will be closely watched by observers on both sides. Diplomatic protocols suggest that high-level meetings are typically arranged by governments, but the RSS is a civil society organisation and not part of the Indian government. Bhagwat's interactions are likely to be limited to diaspora groups and local organisations, which may avoid direct confrontation with US officials.
As the date approaches, the focus will remain on how the US government responds to USCIRF's recommendation. Historically, such advisory suggestions have not automatically translated into official policy, and the sanctions proposed would require legislative or executive action that goes beyond the commission's authority.
