USCIRF report on religious freedom in India ill-conceived

The compilations of events and cases in India, without an effort to understand the complexity of Indian society, marked by plurality, diversity and democratic ethos, actually makes the documenta half-baked exercise.

- CHINTAMANI MAHAPATRA

Soon after the US Commission on International Religious Free dom (USCIRF) released its 2024 report that, among other things, has recommended to the State Department to designate seventeen countries, including India, as “countries of particular concern”, the Ministry of External Affairs took no time to respond and describe the report as “propaganda” against India in the midst of national elections in the country.

The MEA spokesperson, while considering the timing of the release of the report as interference in the internal affairs of India, exuded confidence that American accusations against religious freedom practices in India would fail to influence the Indian people.

The compilations of events and cases in India, without an effort to understand the complexity of Indian society, marked by plurality, diversity and democratic ethos, actually makes the document a half-baked exercise.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that an effort has been made to designate India as a “country of particular concern” by the USCIRF. Lack of contextualizing, examining and explaining the complaints, grievances and news reports and then recommending to the State Department for designating countries as “countries of particular concern” or putting out a “Special Watch List” of countries has often discouraged the State Department from implementing the recommendations of the USCIRF in toto.