US Religious Freedom Body Urges Sanctions on RSS Ahead of Bhagwat's US Visit

Officials of a U.S. advisory body on religious freedom have called for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and urged the American government to refrain from extending diplomatic courtesies or holding high-level meetings with its leaders. These remarks from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) come just weeks before RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's scheduled visit to the U.S.

USCIRF chair Asif Mahmood explicitly stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a member of the RSS, describing it as an umbrella organization whose sub-groups have allegedly perpetrated attacks on religious minorities, including Christians and Muslims. This strong statement was made public as Mr. Bhagwat prepares to participate in the 'Universal Oneness Celebrations' organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) in New York on August 29.

Adding to the commission's stance, USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills emphasized that RSS leaders, even when affiliated with the Indian government, should not be granted high-level meetings or diplomatic honors. Instead, Mr. Mills suggested, the U.S. Government should focus on imposing sanctions on RSS members found responsible for violations of freedom of religious belief (FoRB). These critical remarks by Mr. Mahmood and Mr. Mills were also posted on USCIRF's official X account, highlighting their serious concerns.

The advocacy group Hindus for Human Rights echoed these sentiments, stating that Mr. Bhagwat’s visit cannot be viewed in isolation from the RSS network's reported violence against Muslims and Christians. They critically remarked in a post on X, "A celebration of “oneness” cannot conceal the politics of religious supremacy."

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