US govt agency recommends blacklisting India, sanctioning RAW
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has raised concerns over the worsening treatment of religious minorities in India. In its latest report, released on Tuesday, the commission recommended sanctions against India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), for its alleged involvement in assassination plots targeting Sikh separatists.
The report also highlighted Vietnam’s increased efforts to regulate and control religious practices. Like India, Vietnam has been strengthening its ties with Washington due to shared concerns about China. However, the commission suggested designating Vietnam as a 'country of particular concern' over religious freedom issues.
While Washington views India as a key strategic partner in countering China’s influence in Asia, analysts believe that US authorities have often overlooked India’s human rights record. Given the non-binding nature of the commission’s recommendations, it remains unlikely that the US government will impose sanctions on RAW.
Allegations of India's targeting of Sikh separatists in the US and Canada have strained diplomatic ties since 2023. The US has charged former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav in connection with a foiled assassination attempt, though India has consistently denied involvement, branding Sikh separatists as security threats.
The USCIRF report stated that religious freedom in India continued to decline in 2024, with increasing attacks and discrimination against religious minorities. It criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for promoting divisive rhetoric, particularly during election campaigns. The report also referenced Modi’s 2023 remarks, in which he allegedly referred to Muslims as 'infiltrators' with 'more children.'
The US State Department has previously documented human rights and religious freedom concerns in India, reports that New Delhi has dismissed as 'deeply biased.'
The commission urged the US government to designate India as a 'country of particular concern' and impose sanctions on RAW and individuals linked to alleged assassination plots, including Vikash Yadav.
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