WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has called on India to condemn persistent religious violence in the country, according to a senior US official on Monday, just a month before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled state visit.
The US State Department released its annual report on religious freedom, highlighting attacks against religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians, in India, which is led by Modi’s Hindu nationalist party.
Speaking on customary condition of anonymity during a briefing with reporters, the senior US official expressed concern over the ongoing religious violence and emphasized India’s “vast potential.”
The official stated being “saddened” by the persistence of such violence and urged the Indian government to denounce it and hold accountable those who engage in dehumanizing rhetoric towards religious minorities.
The official also pledged to engage in direct discussions with Indian officials, reaffirming the commitment to work closely with civil society colleagues and journalists who document incidents of religious abuse.
US expresses concerns about violence against Muslims in Gujarat
The State Department’s report, based on direct research and accounts from media and advocacy groups, specifically highlighted concerns about home demolitions targeting Muslims and incidents of public flogging of Muslims in the state of Gujarat.
India has often responded to American criticism of religious freedom, particularly from the autonomous US Commission on International Religious Freedom. The commission recently recommended that India be placed on a blacklist due to its record on religious freedom.
Later this year, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will identify “countries of particular concern” regarding religious freedom. However, it is highly likely that India will not be included on the list, given the warming relations between the United States and India, which have been built over several decades, partly as a counterbalance to China.
During the presentation of the report, Secretary Blinken did not specifically mention India but expressed concern over the actions of authorities in China, Iran, Myanmar, and Nicaragua. He emphasized the importance of defending the right to believe or not believe, highlighting the positive impact people of faith can have in societies worldwide.
