The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended revoking the visa of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat and barring his entry into the United States, citing recent violent attacks against religious minorities in India.
On Wednesday, a United States panel on religious freedom urged the Donald Trump administration to revoke the visa issued to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat and 'make him ineligible' to enter the country in the future. The panel expressed concern over Bhagwat's upcoming visit, citing allegations of violent attacks against religious minorities by groups associated with the RSS in recent years. According to the commission, such attacks have targeted Christians, Dalits, Muslims, and Sikhs.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has enforced policies that closely align with the RSS’ Hindutva ideology. This alignment is perceived to discriminate against religious minority communities.
The commission urged the US government to impose sanctions on the RSS and advised against granting high-level meetings or diplomatic courtesies to its members. In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the remarks, labeling the commission as 'biased' and lacking credibility.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom is an independent American government agency that monitors the universal right to freedom of religion and makes policy suggestions to the White House. These suggestions are not binding. Cece Heil, the commission’s vice-chair, said that the US government has an opportunity to hold India accountable 'and signal that the United States stands for religious freedom for the people of India'.
Source:
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