USCIRF calls for sanctions against RSS ahead of Mohan Bhagwat's visit

Officials from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) have called for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and urged the U.S. government to deny diplomatic courtesies to its leaders. These recommendations come ahead of a scheduled visit by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood and Commissioner Gene Mills argued that the U.S. should refrain from holding high-level meetings with RSS leaders, citing allegations that the organization's sub-groups have perpetrated attacks on religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians. Mills suggested the U.S. government focus on imposing sanctions on members found responsible for freedom of religious belief violations.

In Canada, more than 100 Hindu and civil liberties organizations have urged the government to allow Bhagwat’s visit, rejecting calls to declare him inadmissible. The groups argued that any decision to bar him must be based on credible evidence rather than political pressure. Bhagwat is expected to participate in the ‘Universal Oneness Celebrations’ in New York on August 29, organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD).