The Indian government has firmly dismissed the recent 2025 report issued by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), labeling it as a prejudiced and unwarranted intrusion into India’s domestic affairs. The report, which proposed targeted sanctions on Indian officials and agencies, sparked immediate criticism from New Delhi, particularly for naming former intelligence officer Vikash Yadav and the country’s premier external intelligence body.
New Delhi Refutes Allegations of Religious Intolerance
Speaking on behalf of the government, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal refuted the report’s contents, accusing USCIRF of consistently misrepresenting India’s diverse and inclusive society. He emphasized that India, with a population of over 1.4 billion representing multiple faiths, continues to thrive as a secular democracy where all communities coexist peacefully. Jaiswal stated that the report’s conclusions are disconnected from the realities on the ground.
Sanction Recommendations Prompt Diplomatic Tensions
In its annual assessment, the USCIRF claimed that religious freedoms in India had deteriorated, citing increased incidents of intolerance against minorities. It urged the U.S. government to categorize India as a “country of particular concern” and proposed sanctions on entities such as the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), along with individuals like Vikash Yadav. Recommendations included freezing of assets and imposition of visa bans, sparking fresh diplomatic unease.
Former CRPF Officer at the Center of Intelligence Allegations
The report’s reference to Vikash Yadav relates to U.S. allegations linking him to an aborted 2023 plot to assassinate pro-Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States. Yadav, previously a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer, was later attached to RAW. The call for sanctions against an Indian intelligence operative marks a rare escalation by USCIRF, prompting strong reactions from Indian officials.
India Challenges Attempt to Tarnish Its Democratic Reputation
India strongly rejected what it sees as attempts to undermine its international image through such external commentaries. Randhir Jaiswal asserted that the country’s democratic institutions remain vibrant and resilient. He further suggested that the USCIRF’s persistent distortion of facts and ideological bias might warrant India considering the panel itself as an “entity of concern” for its one-sided narratives.
Defence Ties Under Scrutiny Amid Policy Dispute
The report also recommended a reassessment of a key arms deal between the U.S. and India involving the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, valued at approximately $4 billion. USCIRF questioned whether ongoing defence cooperation should be subject to human rights evaluations, particularly when allegations of religious discrimination are raised by advocacy bodies.
Domestic Laws Cited in Broader Accusations of Suppression
USCIRF further accused Indian authorities of using legal tools like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to suppress dissenting voices and civil society activism. The report alleged that these laws have been deployed to intimidate journalists and curtail the operations of non-governmental organizations working in rights advocacy.
Khalistan Movement Highlighted in Policy Recommendations
The commission also addressed Khalistani separatist activity in the United States, suggesting the revival of the Transnational Repression Reporting Act passed in 2024. The panel advocated that future U.S. congressional delegations to India prioritize direct engagement with religious minority communities to assess their lived experiences and challenges, according to USCIRF’s recommendations.
India Stresses Autonomy Over Its Constitutional Framework
Concluding its official response, India reiterated its firm stance that external bodies have no mandate to assess its internal policies. The Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed that India’s constitutional commitment to secularism and equal rights remains unwavering. Indian authorities emphasized that politically driven narratives from abroad would not influence the nation’s path toward inclusive development and social harmony.