'Biased, Peddling Own Agenda': Govt Hits Back At US Religious Freedom Body For Urging RSS Sanctions

News india 'Biased, Peddling Own Agenda': Govt Hits Back At US Religious Freedom Body For Urging RSS Sanctions

'Biased, Peddling Own Agenda': Govt Hits Back At US Religious Freedom Body For Urging RSS Sanctions

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Last Updated: August 21, 2026, 17:55 IST

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal questioned the commission’s credibility and accused it of pursuing its own agenda through its statements on India.

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MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal slammed the USCIRF. (File photo)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday criticised the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for urging sanctions against members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling it a “biased organisation."

During a bi-weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal questioned the commission’s credibility and accused it of pursuing its own agenda through its statements on India.

‘USCIRF Makes Provocative Statements About India’: Govt

“The organisation you are talking about is known to everyone as a biased organisation, and for many years, it has been making misleading and provocative statements about India," Jaiswal said.

“I would say that we should stay away from such organisations because they peddle their own agenda and, at the same time, have no credibility," the MEA official added.

The MEA’s response came days after the USCIRF called on Washington to consider sanctions against members of the RSS, instead of extending them “high-level meetings."

Why USCIRF Called For RSS Sanctions

In a post on X, the commission cited comments by its chair, Pakistani-American physician Asif Mahmood, and Commissioner Gene Mills.

Mahmood referred to the RSS, which is regarded as the ideological parent organisation of the ruling BJP, as an umbrella body and alleged that groups associated with it had been involved in attacks targeting religious minorities.

Mills argued that RSS leaders should not receive high-level meetings or diplomatic courtesies, even when they are linked to the Indian government. He instead called for sanctions against RSS members found responsible for violations of religious freedom or freedom of belief.

Mohan Bhagwat To Visit US Soon

The USCIRF remarks were issued ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s planned tour of the US, Canada and the UK, which is scheduled to begin on August 25. Bhagwat is expected to undertake the visit at the invitation of local associations and organisations associated with the Indian diaspora. The visit coincides with the RSS’s centenary year, during which Bhagwat is expected to interact with members of the Indian diaspora and representatives of local organisations.

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Key Questions Answered Powered by Ask News18 Will the US consider sanctions against RSS members? The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged Washington to consider sanctions against members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). However, the US government has not yet indicated whether it will act on these recommendations. How might this impact India-US diplomatic relations? The recent controversy, where the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) called for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has created a fresh diplomatic dispute between India and the United States. India's Ministry of External Affairs has criticised the USCIRF, calling it a "biased organisation" that makes "misleading and provocative statements" about India. What is the purpose of Mohan Bhagwat's upcoming US tour? Mohan Bhagwat's upcoming US tour is part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) global outreach efforts during its centenary year. The tour aims to promote a message of pluralism, civic participation, interfaith understanding, global harmony, mutual respect, shared responsibility, and service, reframing Hindu identity through these concepts. Powered by Ask News18

About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More

First Published: August 21, 2026, 17:55 IST

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