Synopsis
On March 26, India urged the USCIRF to stop its biased reporting and labeled the agency as an entity of concern. The MEA criticized the USCIRF for misrepresenting facts and undermining India's religious freedoms and democracy.Key Takeaways
- India rejects USCIRF's biased reports.
- MEA spokesperson highlights India's multiculturalism.
- USCIRF's narrative is politically motivated.
- India's religious diversity is globally recognized.
- MEA urges USCIRF to focus on U.S. human rights issues.
New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) Rejecting the latest report from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), India reiterated its call for the US agency to be designated as an entity of concern. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged the USCIRF to cease its agenda-driven efforts that involve misrepresenting facts and spreading a motivated narrative.
"We have reviewed the newly released 2025 Annual Report of the USCIRF, which perpetuates its history of issuing biased and politically charged evaluations. The USCIRF's ongoing efforts to distort isolated incidents and cast doubt on India's rich multicultural fabric reflect a calculated agenda rather than true concern for religious freedom," commented MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in response to media questions.
"India encompasses 1.4 billion citizens who practice various religions. Yet, we do not expect the USCIRF to acknowledge the reality of India’s pluralistic society or the peaceful coexistence of its diverse communities. Attempts to undermine India's reputation as a symbol of democracy and tolerance will be futile. In truth, it is the USCIRF that merits designation as an entity of concern," he added.
This is not the first instance of India criticizing the USCIRF, the US federal agency tasked with monitoring the universal right to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) internationally and advising the President, Secretary of State, and US Congress.
Last October, addressing media inquiries about the 'Country Update' on India in the USCIRF report, the MEA had clearly articulated its long-held views on the agency.
"It is a biased organization with a political agenda. It consistently misrepresents facts and disseminates a motivated narrative about India. We categorically reject this damaging report, which only serves to further discredit the USCIRF," Jaiswal stated at that time.
"We urge the USCIRF to refrain from such agenda-driven pursuits. The USCIRF would better serve its purpose by focusing on human rights issues within the United States," he added.
India has repeatedly and regrettably pointed out that the USCIRF continues to misrepresent facts in its statements and reports in line with its self-serving agenda.
From the Covid-19 pandemic and the Delhi riots to the Citizenship Amendment Bill and matters of religious freedom, the MEA has dismissed numerous USCIRF reports and observations.
"The USCIRF is recognized as a biased organization with a political agenda. They persist in disseminating their propaganda regarding India disguised as part of an annual report. We have no expectation that the USCIRF will endeavor to comprehend India's diverse, pluralistic, and democratic ethos. Their attempts to interfere in the world's largest electoral process are bound to fail," the MEA stated in May 2024.
