US Religious Freedom Body Seeks RSS Sanctions Ahead Of Mohan Bhagwat’s US Visit
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called for sanctions against RSS members accused of religious freedom violations and urged the American government not to extend diplomatic courtesies or hold high level meetings with its leaders ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s planned New York visit.
USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills said RSS leaders, even when affiliated with the Indian government, should not be honoured with high level meetings or diplomatic courtesies. Instead, he called for sanctions against RSS members found responsible for violations of freedom of religion or belief.
USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood, a Pakistan-born physician and human rights advocate, is leading the commission during its 2026-27 term. He was unanimously elected chair in July after previously serving as vice chair. USCIRF describes him as a human rights advocate whose work has included Kashmir and other conflict zones.
Mahmood’s background has also drawn attention in India. He has previously spoken at a US congressional hearing on Kashmir and has publicly criticised India’s position on the region. In an article published this month, he again argued that the abrogation of Article 370 had not changed what he described as Kashmir’s disputed status.
His past political activities have also included a run as a Democratic candidate for California insurance commissioner and a 2022 campaign for the US House of Representatives. He was appointed to USCIRF in 2024 by then House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and reappointed in 2026.
Mahmood has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a member of the RSS and characterised the organisation as an umbrella body whose affiliated groups have allegedly been involved in attacks against religious minorities, including Christians and Muslims.
The latest intervention comes days before Bhagwat is scheduled to visit the US as part of an overseas tour covering the US, Canada and UK from August 25. In New York, he is expected to address the Universal Oneness Celebrations on August 29. The event is being organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) along with cultural, spiritual, faith and community organisations.
More than 5,000 Indian-Americans are expected at the New York gathering, which will coincide with Raksha Bandhan and focus on unity, civic participation, social harmony and global harmony. Bhagwat is also expected to attend private events in New York before travelling to Canada.
The USCIRF intervention follows its March 2026 annual report, which recommended targeted sanctions against individuals and entities including the RSS and RAW and urged the US government to designate India a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act.
New Delhi has rejected USCIRF’s assessment, accusing the commission of presenting a distorted and selective picture of India based on questionable sources and ideological narratives. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has previously urged USCIRF to examine attacks and vandalism targeting Hindu temples in the US and alleged intimidation of members of the Indian diaspora.
India has also questioned the commission’s credibility and said it does not expect USCIRF to acknowledge the country’s pluralistic framework and coexistence of diverse communities.
USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan US federal government agency that monitors religious freedom worldwide and makes policy recommendations to the US President, Secretary of State and Congress. Its recommendations do not automatically impose sanctions. Any punitive action against RSS members would ultimately require a decision by the US government.