US Sanctions on RSS Over Mohan Bhagwat Visit?

USCIRF’s call for possible sanctions against the RSS over alleged minority rights violations could further strain India-US relations amid Mohan Bhagwat’s possible US visit.

India-US relations have faced growing tensions since US President Donald Trump returned to power, with several of his policies towards India changing frequently.

One recent issue is the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calling for possible sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The development comes as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat may visit the US in the coming months to meet RSS workers and supporters.

USCIRF has accused the RSS of targeting religious minorities, including Christians and Muslims. The organisation monitors religious freedom around the world and makes recommendations to the US government.

USCIRF Chair Dr Asif Mahmood has also criticised the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. USCIRF recently shared his statement saying that Bhagwat, as RSS chief, plans to visit the US.

India has strongly rejected USCIRF's comments. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the organisation “biased” and accused it of making negative and inflammatory remarks about India.

The issue could become another point of tension between India and the US. If the US government acts on USCIRF's recommendations, it could affect RSS supporters and organisations in America and may further damage relations between the two countries.

Interestingly, reports suggest that some organisations in Canada are supporting Bhagwat's possible visit. Around 100 Canadian groups have reportedly written to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, asking his government to allow Bhagwat to visit Canada.

Bhagwat may therefore face opposition in the US while receiving support from some groups in Canada, adding another layer to the ongoing debate over India's relations with Western countries.