USCIRF seeks sanctions against RSS, no high-level meetings with its leaders
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended that the U.S. government impose sanctions on the RSS and avoid high-level meetings with its leaders. The commission cites concerns over the organization's alleged role in attacks on religious minorities in India.
Why it matters
This recommendation creates potential diplomatic friction between the U.S. and India, given the RSS's close ties to the ruling political party.
Officials of a U.S. advisory body on religious freedom have called for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and asked the American government not to extend diplomatic courtesies to its leaders or have high-level meetings with them.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) chair Asif Mahmood said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a member of the RSS, which he described as an umbrella organisation whose sub-groups have perpetrated attacks on religious minorities.
Mr. Mahmood’s remarks came weeks ahead of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to the U.S. to participate in the ‘Universal Oneness Celebrations’ organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) in New York on August 29.
USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills said RSS leaders, even when affiliated with the Indian government, should not be honoured with high-level meetings or diplomatic courtesies.
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