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India rejects the report of the US Religious Freedom Panel and labels it a "entity of concern."

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India has strongly dismissed a recent report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), labeling the panel as a "biased entity of concern" and rejecting its findings. The USCIRF report had raised concerns over religious freedom in India, citing alleged discrimination against minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. The Indian government, however, has accused the commission of spreading misinformation and interfering in the country’s internal affairs.  

India’s Firm Rejection of USCIRF’s Report

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a sharp rebuttal, stating that the USCIRF’s assessment was based on "misguided and prejudiced views." The MEA emphasized that India is a democratic nation with a strong constitutional framework that guarantees equal rights to all citizens, regardless of religion. The government further asserted that the USCIRF lacks a proper understanding of India’s social, legal, and political systems and operates with a preconceived agenda.  

This is not the first time India has rejected USCIRF’s reports. Over the past few years, the commission has repeatedly criticized India’s record on religious freedom, often recommending that the US State Department designate India as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC). However, the US government has not acted on these recommendations, maintaining strong diplomatic and strategic ties with India.  

USCIRF’s Allegations and India’s Counterarguments

The USCIRF’s 2024 report claimed that religious minorities in India face increasing violence, discriminatory laws, and censorship under the current government. It specifically pointed to incidents of hate speech, attacks on places of worship, and controversial policies such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which critics argue excludes Muslims.  

India, however, has dismissed these claims as exaggerated and politically motivated. Officials argue that the country’s judiciary and democratic institutions actively protect minority rights, and any incidents of violence are dealt with under the law. The government also highlights India’s long tradition of pluralism, where diverse religious communities have coexisted for centuries.  

Growing Diplomatic Tensions  
The strong reaction from India reflects growing frustration with foreign entities commenting on its domestic issues. New Delhi has consistently maintained that external organizations have no right to interfere in India’s sovereign matters. The MEA’s statement also pointed out that the USCIRF’s credibility is questionable, given that even the US government does not always endorse its reports.  

Despite these tensions, India-US relations remain robust, particularly in defense, technology, and trade. Both countries have deepened their partnership under initiatives like the Quad alliance, aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. However, issues like religious freedom and human rights continue to be points of friction.  

Conclusion
India’s outright rejection of the USCIRF report underscores its commitment to defending its sovereignty and rejecting what it sees as foreign interference. While the US and India share strategic interests, disagreements over domestic policies highlight the challenges in balancing bilateral relations with differing perspectives on governance and human rights. As India continues to assert its position as a global power, it remains firm in pushing back against external criticism while engaging in diplomatic dialogue to address concerns.

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