US Secretary of State Antony Blinken released the 2023 religious freedom report, noting an alarming increase in hate speech and anti-conversion laws in India. The report documented attacks on minority groups and the demolition of religious sites. Opposition parties accused Prime Minister Modi of promoting hate speech during political campaigns. India previously dismissed the report as biased, while US officials continue to express concerns over religious freedom in India.

The State Department’s report criticized anti-conversion laws in ten Indian states, highlighting the challenges faced by religious minorities. It documented instances of violence and vandalism against places of worship, suggesting a lack of adequate protection from the government. Despite the strategic partnership between the US and India, the report underscored significant issues in religious freedom that remain unaddressed.

The Ministry of External Affairs in India called the report misinformed and biased, yet the US continues to raise these issues at diplomatic levels. The Biden administration’s strategic interests in India, particularly in countering China, might temper direct criticisms but do not eliminate concerns about religious freedom violations.

Political analysts suggest the criticism, though diplomatically restrained, reflects ongoing human rights issues. The US report aims to spotlight these problems, encouraging dialogue and potential policy changes. The Indian government, however, maintains that such reports undermine its credibility and misrepresent the situation.

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