The Indian government has dismissed a report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), calling it a “misrepresentation of facts.” The report, which highlights issues of religious freedom in India, has been criticized by the Indian government for being biased and interfering in India’s internal affairs.
USCIRF report criticized by Indian government
The USCIRF report, released on 21 April, 2021, cited several concerns about religious freedom in India, including the treatment of minorities, the use of blasphemy laws, and the citizenship amendment act. The report also criticized the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that it had led to an increase in incidents of religious discrimination.
However, the Indian government has rejected the report’s findings, calling them “biased” and “misleading.” In a statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the report was “not based on a complete assessment of the facts on the ground.”
The government accused the USCIRF of interfering in India’s internal affairs and attempting to influence the country’s democratic processes. The statement added that the Indian government remained committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion or beliefs.
India’s response to the report
India has been critical of the USCIRF in the past, and the recent report has only served to heighten tensions between the two countries. The Indian government has accused the USCIRF of having a biased agenda and of working to promote a specific religious agenda.
In response to the report, India has taken steps to defend its record on religious freedom. The government has pointed out that it has a long history of respecting the rights of minorities and that it has taken steps to address issues of discrimination and inequality.
The government has also criticized the USCIRF for not being objective in its assessments. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the USCIRF had ignored positive developments in India, such as the government’s efforts to promote religious harmony and the establishment of a National Commission for Minorities.
India has also accused the USCIRF of having double standards. The government has pointed out that the USCIRF has been critical of India’s record on religious freedom, but has been silent on the issue of human rights violations in other countries.
Conclusion
The USCIRF report has sparked a controversy in India, with the government rejecting its findings and accusing the commission of being biased and interfering in India’s internal affairs. While India has acknowledged that there are issues related to religious freedom in the country, it has maintained that the USCIRF report is a misrepresentation of the facts on the ground. The controversy highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between India and the United States, particularly on issues related to human rights and democracy.
