US panel asks State Dept to declare India ‘country of particular concern’

The United States Commission on Independent Religious Freedom (USICRF) has called for India to be categorised as a ?country of particular concern? and impose sanctions on officials responsible for ?severe violations of religious freedom?. This is the fourth year in a row that USCIRF has made a similar recommendation. The Indian government has rejected USCIRF reports, with the Ministry of External Affairs describing them as biased and motivated. The Joe Biden administration has chosen not to heed the call, with the dominant mood to recognise India?s political complexity and focus on the bilateral relationship.