RSS chief’s US visit denounced as ‘goodwill tour’ for Hindu nationalism

The recent visit of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief to the United States has drawn sharp criticism from activists who characterize it as a "goodwill tour" designed to advance Hindu nationalism. These critics contend that the visit is part of a broader effort by Hindu nationalist organizations to gain wider acceptance abroad.

According to the activists, the underlying objective of such tours is to mask what they describe as far-right political ideologies. They assert that by framing their outreach as simple goodwill gestures, these groups aim to obscure their more divisive political aims and appeal to a wider audience within the Indian diaspora.

The strategy reportedly involves leveraging broad appeals to the Indian diaspora, seeking to build support and normalize their political narrative. This approach, critics argue, allows Hindu nationalist groups to present a more palatable image while continuing to promote their specific political agenda among expatriate communities.