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A US religious freedom panel has raised objections to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s proposed visit to New York, where he is scheduled to attend the Universal Oneness Celebrations on August 29.
Washington: A US religious freedom panel has raised objections to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s proposed visit to New York, where he is scheduled to attend the Universal Oneness Celebrations on August 29.
The development has triggered a fresh diplomatic and political debate, with the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calling for possible sanctions against RSS members, while India has rejected the organisation’s earlier criticism over religious freedom issues.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is set to travel to the United States to participate in the Universal Oneness Celebrations organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) in New York. Ahead of the visit, officials from the USCIRF have urged the US government not to provide diplomatic courtesies or arrange high-level meetings with RSS leaders.
The US advisory body has argued that individuals linked to organisations accused of religious freedom violations should face restrictions instead of receiving official recognition.
USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood criticised the RSS and alleged that the organisation and its affiliated groups have been involved in incidents affecting religious minorities in India. Mahmood also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s association with the RSS and described it as an umbrella organisation with several affiliated groups.
USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills said RSS leaders should not be given diplomatic privileges or official engagements if allegations related to freedom of religion or belief violations remain unresolved. He suggested that the US government should consider targeted sanctions against individuals associated with organisations accused of such violations. Earlier USCIRF Report Triggered India-US Debate
The latest controversy comes months after the USCIRF’s annual report in March criticised India’s religious freedom record and recommended targeted sanctions against certain individuals and organisations, including the RSS and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
The report alleged concerns related to freedom of religion or belief, commonly referred to as FoRB, and called for action against entities it considered responsible for violations. However, India strongly rejected the USCIRF assessment, accusing the organisation of presenting a selective and distorted picture of the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier criticised the USCIRF report, stating that it was based on questionable sources and ideological perspectives rather than objective analysis. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India believes the USCIRF has repeatedly targeted the country through selective criticism.
India also highlighted concerns over incidents involving vandalism and attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, along with alleged instances of intimidation and intolerance faced by members of the Indian diaspora. The government argued that such issues also require attention while discussing religious freedom.
Mohan Bhagwat’s upcoming visit has gained attention amid continuing discussions around India’s religious freedom record, diaspora politics and India-US relations.
The Universal Oneness Celebrations in New York is expected to bring together members of the Hindu community and supporters of interfaith dialogue. While supporters of the event view it as a cultural and community engagement programme, critics have raised concerns over the RSS’s ideological and political influence.
The controversy highlights the wider debate over human rights, religious freedom and political organisations in India’s relationship with the United States. While USCIRF has maintained its position on religious freedom concerns, India has repeatedly rejected such assessments and questioned the credibility of the US body.
The issue is likely to remain a talking point as Mohan Bhagwat’s visit approaches and discussions continue over the role of international organisations in commenting on domestic political and social matters.
