US report on religious freedom in India: A case of misunderstanding & hypocrisy

From the editor’s desk

The recent report by the US State Department on religious freedom in India has sparked significant criticism from the Indian government, and for good reason. Branded as "deeply biased" and driven by "vote bank considerations and a prescriptive outlook," this report reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of India's social fabric and legal framework. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal aptly pointed out that the report selectively uses incidents and relies on biased sources, thus painting a distorted picture of the situation in India.

Critics argue that this report is a mix of misrepresentations, selective facts, and unjustified imputations. It goes so far as to question the validity of India's constitutional provisions and the legislature's right to enact laws. The report also challenges the integrity of certain legal judgments by Indian courts and targets regulations designed to monitor financial flows into the country, suggesting the compliance burden is unreasonable. These claims not only undermine India’s legal framework but also reveal a profound lack of understanding of India's domestic challenges and the measures it takes to uphold the rule of law.

One of the key issues raised in the report pertains to alleged violent attacks on minority groups, citing the violence in Manipur in May 2023 and the destruction of churches and temples. This portrayal, however, is highly selective and overlooks the broader context of India's efforts to maintain social harmony and protect vulnerable communities. The Indian government has repeatedly condemned such acts and taken legal action against perpetrators, underscoring its commitment to religious freedom and diversity.

The hypocrisy of the US stance becomes evident when considering the numerous cases of hate crimes, racial attacks, and vandalism of places of worship affecting Indians in the US. Just in 2023, India officially raised these issues with the US, highlighting the failures of the American system to protect the lives and rights of Indian nationals and other minorities. Despite these ongoing concerns, the US continues to issue reports that criticize India, which appears to be an attempt to undermine the Indian government and its legal framework.

Moreover, the timing and nature of such reports suggest political motivations aimed at interfering in India's internal affairs. This is unacceptable and disheartening, especially when efforts are being made to strengthen India-US relations. Both countries need each other, particularly in the current geopolitical context. Irresponsible acts like this report threaten to undermine the potential for collaboration and mutual respect.

India's commitment to religious freedom is deeply rooted in its constitution and legal framework.

The country’s diverse social fabric necessitates policies that may not align with external perceptions but are essential for managing its unique challenges. The US must recognize that the India of today is no pushover and that mutual respect and understanding are crucial for maintaining a strong bilateral relationship.

The MEA has called for objectivity and comprehensive, unbiased research in international assessments. The USCIRF report, seen as a flawed document, fails to capture the complexity and reality of the situation in India. Future reports must avoid political biases and instead provide balanced perspectives that respect India's sovereignty and its genuine efforts to uphold democratic values and religious freedom.

While dialogue on human rights and respect for diversity is important, it should not serve as a pretext for foreign interference.

The US must reassess its approach to such reports, recognizing the importance of a strong, respectful partnership with India. The India of today demands and deserves to be understood and treated with fairness and respect on the global stage. The US has a lot of worry about its own domestic policies, and how it conducts its foreign policy. India is a responsible country with a democratic polity. There is none to question the governance of India which is done on the basis of rule of law.

The US knows India is a country that upholds the principles of democracy, and therefore working with India is a much better option than with any other country where democracy is either sham or is altogether absent. Being a diverse country that India is, its laws must be in accordance with the needs of the time, and every care is taken to uphold civil rights of all sections of population in India.