India has strongly criticised the 2025 Annual Report released by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), calling it biased and politically motivated. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the report’s findings, asserting that they misrepresent isolated incidents and attempt to undermine India's democratic and pluralistic credentials.

The USCIRF report alleges an increase in attacks against minorities in India during 2024. However, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed these claims, stating, “The USCIRF’s persistent attempts to misrepresent isolated incidents and cast aspersions on India’s vibrant multicultural society reflect a deliberate agenda rather than a genuine concern for religious freedom.” Jaiswal further emphasised that India, home to 1.4 billion people of diverse religious backgrounds, remains committed to religious tolerance and coexistence.

India Labels USCIRF As An Entity of Concern

India has gone a step further by suggesting that the USCIRF itself should be designated as an entity of concern. “Such efforts to undermine India’s standing as a beacon of democracy and tolerance will not succeed. In fact, it is the USCIRF that should be designated as an entity of concern,” Jaiswal stated in response to the report.

USCIRF’s Recommendations Against India

The USCIRF has recommended that the US government impose targeted sanctions on certain Indian individuals and entities, including Vikash Yadav and India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The report alleges their involvement in violations of religious freedom and has suggested freezing their assets and barring their entry into the United States. Additionally, the USCIRF has urged the US government to designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).

India's Stance On Religious Freedom

India has consistently rejected USCIRF’s reports in previous years, maintaining that its assessments do not reflect the ground reality. Jaiswal reiterated that India does not expect the USCIRF to acknowledge its pluralistic framework or the peaceful coexistence of its communities. The MEA has also asserted that India’s democratic institutions and constitutional framework guarantee religious freedom and protection of minorities.