The report had recommended declaring India a "Country of Particular Concern" and calling for banning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW).

Responding to the report, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described it as 'biased' and 'motivated'. He said that instead of pointing fingers at India, the United States should pay attention to attacks on Hindu temples and threats faced by Indians within its own country.

Commission demands India's inclusion on 'Watch List'

In its 2026 annual report, the USCIRF alleged violations of religious freedom in India. The commission recommended placing India on a 'Special Watch List.' It also suggested that the United States consider halting arms sales to India and linking security cooperation with conditions related to religious freedom.

"Those who have lost credibility have no right to lecture Us" - India

India strongly objected to the report, stating that the commission repeatedly attempts to tarnish India's image based on questionable sources. The government asserted that an institution that has lost its credibility has no authority to comment on India's internal matters.

"Hindus and Indians are not safe in the United States"

India further stated that the United States, which provides shelter to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has failed to ensure the safety of Hindus and Indians living there.

India added that until the United States stops violence against the Indian community and attacks on Hindu temples in its own country, it has no moral right to comment on India's internal affairs.

History of attacks on Hindu Temples in the United States

In December 2023, California, Newark, pro-Khalistan supporters defaced the walls of the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir with anti-India slogans and graffiti praising deceased Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, hurting religious sentiments.

At the Sherawali Mata Temple in Hayward, California, vandals blackened the temple signboard and wrote abusive remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Khalistan supporters attacked the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Indiana State and wrote slogans such as "Hindustan-Modi Murdabad" on its walls.

In May 2021, New Jersey, Robbinsville, authorities raided the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir over allegations of human trafficking and labour law violations. However, after a prolonged investigation, the United States Department of Justice found no evidence and closed the case.
Attacks and hate crimes against people of Indian origin

Apart from temple attacks, Indians and members of the Sikh community living in the United States have also faced violence. In the Queens area of New York City, 66-year-old Jasmer Singh was beaten to death by a youth named Gilbert Augustine following a road accident.

In New York, elderly Nirmal Singh and two other Sikh individuals were attacked with sticks, and their turbans were forcibly removed.

In Fremont, Krishnan Jayraman faced racial abuse in a restaurant, where he was mocked for his Hindu faith and told, "After destroying India, you people are now destroying America.