US Religious Freedom Panel Calls for Sanctions on RSS Chief Over US Visit

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended that the US government consider targeted sanctions against members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and revoke the visa of its chief, Mohan Bhagwat, who is currently in the United States for a speaking engagement.

Asif Mahmood, chair of the bipartisan federal panel, issued a statement on Wednesday (August 26) urging the US government to act against RSS members and Indian officials allegedly involved in religious freedom violations. The statement specifically referenced Mr Bhagwat's scheduled address at an event in New York City on Saturday (August 29).

USCIRF, which monitors religious freedom around the world and advises the US government, noted that its recommendations are non-binding. The panel has previously made similar calls regarding India, but Washington has not imposed sanctions following recent recommendations.

The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the panel's assertions, describing USCIRF as biased against India. Officials said the RSS is a legitimate organisation and that such statements reflect a lack of understanding of India's pluralistic society.

Rights groups have said that the RSS promotes a majoritarian ideology that fuels intolerance towards minorities in India. The RSS has denied these allegations, characterising itself as a “Hindu-centric civilisational, cultural movement” that seeks to unite Hindus and advance the nation's glory.

The controversy over Mr Bhagwat's visit comes amid ongoing international discussions on religious freedom in India. While the US government has not yet acted on the panel's recommendations, the statement has reignited debate on the issue.