RSS Under USCIRF Spotlight Ahead of Bhagwat’s New York Event

USCIRF Urges US to Consider Sanctions Against RSS Members

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged the US government to consider targeted sanctions against members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) whom it accuses of involvement in religious-freedom violations.

USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills also called on Washington to avoid extending high-level meetings or diplomatic courtesies to RSS leaders. The comments come ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s planned visit to New York on August 29 for the Universal Oneness Celebrations, organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD).

USCIRF’s latest position follows its annual report released in March, which recommended targeted sanctions against individuals and organisations, including the RSS. India has rejected USCIRF’s assessment, describing it as “distorted and selective” and questioning the sources and narratives used by the commission.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has previously accused USCIRF of selective criticism of India, while also raising concerns over alleged attacks on Hindu temples and the treatment of members of the Indian diaspora in the United States.