US Panel Urges Bhagwat Visa Revocation, RSS Sanctions
A US federal religious freedom advisory panel has renewed its call for targeted sanctions against members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Indian officials, while also urging the US government to revoke RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s visa during his visit to the United States. Bhagwat’s visa has not been revoked, and the recommendation does not represent official US government policy.
USCIRF Seeks Sanctions on RSS Members
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom alleged that individuals associated with RSS-linked groups had been involved in violations targeting religious minorities in India.
USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood called on the US government to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials it considers complicit in religious freedom violations.
The commission also urged Washington to revoke Bhagwat’s visa and make him ineligible for future US entry. However, USCIRF does not have the authority to revoke visas or impose sanctions itself.
Mohan Bhagwat’s US Visa Remains Valid
There has been no official announcement from the US State Department indicating that Bhagwat’s visa has been cancelled or revoked.
Bhagwat remains scheduled to participate in the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden on August 29 as part of the RSS centenary outreach programme.
Several advocacy organisations have opposed his visit and called for action against the event, while the RSS has described the programme as focused on dialogue, harmony and shared cultural values.
India Rejects USCIRF Allegations
India has repeatedly rejected USCIRF’s assessments, accusing the commission of bias and of presenting a distorted picture of the country’s religious freedom record.
USCIRF is an independent bipartisan federal commission that advises the White House, State Department and Congress. Its recommendations are non-binding and do not automatically result in sanctions or visa action.
