US Commission calls on Biden administration to Include India in Countries of Particular Concern
- By Jahanzaib Ali -
- Feb 02, 2024
In an exclusive interview with ARY News, Frederick A. Davie, the Vice Chairman of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, raised alarm over the situation of religious freedom in India. The commission has called on the Biden administration to designate India as a Country of Particular Concern, expressing deep concerns about the US Department of State’s decision not to include India in the list.
“The Commission constantly demands India’s inclusion, but the US government seems hesitant due to regional interests,” noted Frederick A. Davie, emphasizing the mistreatment of Muslims, Christians, and other religious minorities under the Modi government. “We believe it suggests an attempt to establish a sort of Hindu nationalist state, which we find deeply troubling.”
Davie revealed that he personally discussed the sensitivity of the issue with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, highlighting the State Department’s geopolitical concerns in the region. “We don’t believe designating India a Country of Particular Concern would jeopardize those priorities,” he asserted, disagreeing with the department’s decision.
He further disclosed that the Indian government has been denying visas to US commissioners of religious freedom, citing the Modi government’s adherence to a Hindutva policy. Despite assurances from Blinken, the US Commission remains unconvinced that India’s interests would be adversely affected by the designation.
Expressing concern over the construction of a temple on the Babri Masjid site in India, Davie deemed it a violation of religious freedom. He stated that celebrating the construction was unacceptable and urged the Indian government to reconsider.
The Vice Chair also expressed regret over the plight of minorities in Pakistan, demanding effective measures from the Pakistani government to address the situation.