US State Department Responds to USCIRF Report on India
Washington, DC [US], October 9: The United States Department of State has acknowledged the recent report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) concerning India. The State Department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, emphasized that USCIRF is an independent commission, separate from the State Department, which provides policy recommendations to the Executive Branch and Congress.
During a press briefing, Miller addressed a media query regarding the USCIRF’s report, which suggested sanctions on certain individuals and entities in India and recommended designating India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Miller noted that after a thorough review in December of the previous year, the Secretary of State determined that India did not meet the criteria for such a designation. However, the State Department continues to monitor religious freedom globally, including in India.
The USCIRF report alleged violations of religious freedom in India. In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the report as “malicious” and accused USCIRF of being a “biased organization” with a political agenda. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the report misrepresents facts and promotes a “motivated narrative” about India. The MEA urged USCIRF to focus on human rights issues within the United States instead.
Doubts Revealed
USCIRF -: USCIRF stands for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. It is a group that looks at how countries treat people’s religious beliefs and practices.
US State Department -: The US State Department is a part of the United States government that deals with the country’s relationships with other countries, like India.
Sanctions -: Sanctions are actions taken by one country to punish or put pressure on another country, often by stopping trade or financial transactions.
Country of Particular Concern -: A Country of Particular Concern is a label used by the US to identify countries that are seen as having serious issues with religious freedom.
Ministry of External Affairs -: The Ministry of External Affairs is a part of the Indian government that handles India’s relationships with other countries.
