US Religious Freedom Panel Seeks Targeted Sanctions On Indian Spy Agency R&AW

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has once again taken aim at India, citing alleged 'deteriorating' conditions for religious minorities, reported The Hindu. 

The panel also recommended targeted sanctions against the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) over alleged assassination plots against Sikh separatists.

In its annual report released on 25 March, the commission also called for India to be designated a "country of particular concern" (CPC) for religious freedom violations— a move that could strain diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The USCIRF's report alleged that "In 2024, religious freedom conditions in India continued to deteriorate as attacks and discrimination against religious minorities continued to rise,".

It accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of spreading hateful rhetoric during the 2024 election campaign.

The report reignites tensions over India's alleged targeting of Sikh separatists, particularly in the US and Canada.

Last year, Washington charged an ex-Indian intelligence officer, Vikash Yadav, over an alleged foiled plot against a Sikh separatist in the US. India, however, has denied any involvement, maintaining that Sikh separatist groups pose a security threat.

Despite the commission’s strong recommendations, analysts say Washington is unlikely to sanction R&AW, given India's strategic role as a counter to China's influence.

The USCIRF's recommendations are not binding, and past calls for designating India as a CPC have not led to official action.

India has consistently dismissed such reports as "deeply biased," arguing that government welfare policies benefit all communities equally.

PM Modi himself has refuted accusations of discrimination, citing development initiatives like electrification drives and subsidy programmes, for all irrespective of their religion.

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