The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended targeted sanctions against India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), over its alleged involvement in assassination attempts against Sikh separatists.
According to a report by Reuters, the commission’s annual report, released on Tuesday, also expressed concerns over the deteriorating treatment of religious minorities in India. The panel urged the US government to classify India as a “country of particular concern” due to alleged violations of religious freedom. However, India has not yet responded to these recommendations.
Vietnam was also criticized in the report for its government’s increasing control over religious affairs. The panel suggested that, like India, Vietnam should also be designated as a “country of particular concern,” despite Washington’s efforts to bolster ties with both nations due to shared strategic interests concerning China.
Analysts cited by Reuters noted that the US has historically downplayed human rights concerns in India, viewing the country as a key counterbalance to China’s growing influence. The Trump administration is unlikely to impose sanctions on R&AW, as the commission’s recommendations are not legally binding.
Tensions between India and the US have heightened since 2023, following accusations that India orchestrated attacks on Sikh separatists in North America. Strains in bilateral relations deepened when US authorities charged former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav in connection with an alleged foiled plot to assassinate pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The USCIRF report further stated that religious freedom in India continued to decline in 2024, with rising incidents of attacks and discrimination against religious minorities. It also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of promoting hateful rhetoric and spreading misinformation about Muslims and other religious minorities during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.
