As India grapples with internal strife and external criticism, the debate surrounding its commitment to secularism intensifies
India, a nation characterised by its rich tapestry of religious diversity, has long championed the values of secularism and pluralism. However, the landscape of religious freedom in the country has come under scrutiny, particularly with the recent designation by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) of India as a “Country of Particular Concern.” This designation has ignited a contentious debate, leading to a sharp rebuke from the Indian government, which labeled the USCIRF a “biased organisation with a political agenda.” In its 2024 report, the USCIRF highlighted alarming trends regarding religious freedom in India. The commission reported instances of violence against individuals based on their religious identity, citing cases of killings, beatings and lynchings carried out by vigilante groups. It also noted the arbitrary arrests of religious leaders and the demolition of homes and places of worship, characterising these actions as severe violations of religious freedom. The report further pointed to changes in India’s legal framework that, according to the USCIRF, target and disenfranchise religious minorities. These changes include the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the implementation of a uniform civil code. Such measures, the USCIRF argues, contribute to a climate of fear and marginalisation for non-Hindu communities. In response to the USCIRF’s assertions, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs firmly rejected the report. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the commission’s narrative as a “motivated” misrepresentation of facts aimed at maligning India’s image on the global stage. The ministry’s statement emphasised that the USCIRF’s reporting is unscientific and driven by an agenda that fails to reflect the realities of India’s democracy.