Washington, DC [US], October 9: The United States Department of State has acknowledged the recent report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) concerning India. The State Department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, emphasized that USCIRF is an independent commission, separate from the State Department, which provides policy recommendations to the Executive Branch and Congress.
During a press briefing, Miller addressed a media query regarding the USCIRF’s report, which suggested sanctions on certain individuals and entities in India and recommended designating India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Miller noted that after a thorough review in December of the previous year, the Secretary of State determined that India did not meet the criteria for such a designation. However, the State Department continues to monitor religious freedom globally, including in India.
The USCIRF report alleged violations of religious freedom in India.