US Religious Freedom Panel Open to Dialogue with RSS Chief
The chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Dr. Asif Mahmood, has expressed a willingness to meet with Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This comes just days after the panel called for sanctions against the organization ahead of Bhagwat’s upcoming visit to the United States.
Dr. Mahmood shared his thoughts with a news agency, stating, “I would definitely be open to sitting down if there is an opportunity. We never pass up a chance for dialogue. If something can be arranged, we would be happy to have a conversation with him, discuss further, and possibly receive some assurances which might alter our stance.”
He emphasized that the USCIRF’s mission is not to harm anyone but to advocate for those who face repression in their societies. Mahmood noted, “We’re eager to engage in discussions, but unfortunately, we haven’t had the chance to do so. We’ve tried many times to secure a visa.”
The USCIRF, a bipartisan entity within the U.S. government, monitors global religious freedom and provides nonbinding policy recommendations. Mohan Bhagwat’s trip to the U.S. includes a scheduled speech in New York City on Saturday.
Previous Concerns from USCIRF
Previously, the USCIRF had voiced concerns regarding Bhagwat’s visit to the U.S., urging the federal government to cancel his visa. In a recent statement, the committee recommended that the U.S. consider sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials believed to be involved in violations of religious freedom.
Dr. Mahmood remarked on the worsening situation of religious freedom in India, citing increased violence against religious minorities. He urged, “We call on the U.S. government to think about targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials who are part of these violations, including revoking Mohan Bhagwat’s visa and making him ineligible for future entry into the United States.”
The USCIRF’s statement highlighted the failures of the Indian government under the BJP to address severe violence against Muslims and Christians, particularly noting the enforcement of strict anti-conversion laws. The panel also pointed out issues such as the expulsion of Muslim citizens in Assam under controversial citizenship laws and diminishing space for civil society.
In response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs criticized the USCIRF, labeling the organization as biased against India. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “It’s well-known that this entity has a history of making unfair and inflammatory remarks about India. We should avoid such organizations, which have their own agendas and lack credibility.”
