A U.S. federal agency, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), has recommended imposing specific sanctions on India’s foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The recommendation comes in response to allegations that RAW was involved in plots to assassinate pro-Khalistan leaders in the United States and Canada, according to a report by Reuters.
The USCIRF’s 2025 annual report highlighted these concerns and also noted the worsening situation for religious minorities in India. It stated that Muslims in India are increasingly facing inhumane treatment.
Additionally, the report pointed out that Vietnam has imposed strict control over religious matters, leading to a recommendation that it be designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), similar to the concerns raised about China. Despite these concerns, Washington maintains close ties with both India and Vietnam, largely due to strategic reasons aimed at countering China’s influence in the region.
Geopolitical Implications
Experts believe that the U.S. has historically viewed India as a strategic ally in countering China. As a result, human rights violations in India have often been overlooked by Washington. However, the USCIRF’s recommendations are not legally binding, making it unlikely that the U.S. government will actually impose sanctions on RAW.
Since 2023, India’s surveillance and actions against Sikh separatists in North America have strained U.S.-India relations. Allegations have surfaced against former Indian intelligence officer Vikas Yadav, who was accused of plotting to assassinate a Sikh leader in the U.S.
India has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that Sikh separatists pose a security threat to the country.
Deteriorating Religious Freedom in India
The USCIRF report, published on Tuesday, stated that religious freedom in India deteriorated further in 2024. It cited an increase in attacks and discrimination against religious minorities.
The report criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for using hateful rhetoric and misinformation against minorities during election campaigns. It highlighted Modi’s April 2024 speech, in which he referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” and accused them of having higher birth rates to influence elections in favor of opposition parties.
Over the past few years, human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in India. The report also condemned:
Hate speech and incitement against minorities
India’s controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
Laws restricting religious conversions
The revocation of Jammu & Kashmir’s special status
The demolition of Muslim-owned properties
The USCIRF is a bipartisan government agency that monitors religious freedom worldwide and makes policy recommendations to the U.S. government.
Background on RAW
India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was established in September 1968. The agency primarily gathers intelligence on foreign governments, institutions, and individuals.