US religious freedom panel urges 'country of particular concern' tag for India

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has once again put India under its critical lens, urging the State Department to label the nation a 'country of particular concern.' This recommendation, based on its 2026 assessment, points to what USCIRF describes as 'ongoing, systematic, and egregious religious freedom conditions.' The commission's recent hearing in Washington brought together various experts to discuss the alleged plight of religious minorities in India, including Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, and Dalits.

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Our 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF once again recommended that the State Department designate India as a ‘country of particular concern’ for its ongoing, systematic, and egregious religious freedom conditions.

USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler articulated a stark view of India's trajectory, stating that religious freedom has continued to decline. She specifically criticized the national, state, and local governments for allegedly facilitating violations through discriminatory laws, the detention of religious leaders, and inaction against attacks on minority communities. The commission's report also draws attention to the increasing number of Indian states enacting strict anti-conversion laws, some carrying severe penalties like life imprisonment for those involved in religious conversions from Hinduism. This legal framework is seen by USCIRF as a significant impediment to religious freedom.

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The Indian government has also targeted religious minorities and advocates beyond its borders, through acts of transnational repression.

Beyond India's borders, USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood raised alarms about 'transnational repression,' alleging that the Indian government targets religious minorities and advocates abroad through surveillance and even assassination attempts, particularly mentioning Sikhs in North America. U.S. Representative Chris Smith focused on the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), warning that proposed amendments could lead to the expropriation of property belonging to Christian organizations, including hospitals and schools. From an Indian perspective, these are serious allegations that often overlook the complexities of managing a diverse society and the government's efforts to maintain law and order, which are frequently mischaracterized by international bodies.

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The government of India has long tolerated and, at times, facilitated serious rights violations against religious minorities, especially Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs.