The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has strongly dismissed the latest report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which raised concerns about religious freedom in India. In a sharp rebuke, the MEA urged the USCIRF to focus on addressing the significant human rights challenges within the United States itself, instead of making uninformed comments about India’s internal affairs.

The USCIRF report, which cited alleged violations of religious freedom and minority rights in India, has once again been categorically rejected by Indian authorities. This is not the first time that India has dismissed such reports, and the MEA’s response was swift and pointed, underscoring the growing frustration over external interference in domestic matters.

MEA’s Response to the USCIRF Report

Responding to the USCIRF’s findings, the MEA stated, “We have taken note of the biased and inaccurate report issued by the USCIRF on religious freedom in India. It is disheartening to see such reports continuously being produced without a proper understanding of the country’s socio-political context. The USCIRF would do well to utilize its time and resources to address human rights issues within the United States, where instances of racial discrimination, gun violence, and police brutality continue to be rampant.”

Ministry officials emphasized that India remains committed to its pluralistic values and respect for all religions, adding that such reports only serve to harm the positive trajectory of India-US relations. The MEA further noted that the constitution of India guarantees freedom of religion, and the country’s judiciary actively upholds the rights of its citizens, irrespective of their faith.

“No Credibility” in the USCIRF Report

The MEA’s statement went on to highlight the lack of credibility in the USCIRF report, calling it a “recycled narrative” of misinformation. “The findings of this report are based on selective and biased sources. It is disappointing that an independent body would release such a flawed report, which seems to have no basis in reality. India is home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse populations, and any insinuation that religious freedom is under threat is false,” the statement read.

India has long been a target of USCIRF criticism, but the MEA insists that these reports are part of a larger agenda to malign the country’s image on the global stage. By questioning the integrity of these findings, the Indian government aims to reassure its citizens and the international community that it continues to uphold democratic values and safeguard the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religion or beliefs.

Calls for Focus on US Domestic Issues

In its statement, the MEA did not hesitate to turn the spotlight on the United States, noting the numerous human rights challenges it faces. “Given the concerning state of civil rights and human rights in the U.S., particularly with respect to racial discrimination and inequality, the USCIRF should prioritize its efforts on improving conditions within its own borders rather than commenting on other democracies,” the MEA concluded.

This strong response underscores the Indian government’s firm stance against any external interference in its internal matters. As India and the U.S. continue to build strong diplomatic and economic ties, such reports from bodies like the USCIRF risk creating unnecessary friction between the two nations.

India has consistently maintained that it does not seek external validation on its internal affairs and will continue to stand by its commitment to religious freedom and human rights as enshrined in its constitution.