The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended sanctions on India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), citing serious violations of religious freedom. In its 2026 annual report, the commission proposed designating India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), noting a significant deterioration in religious freedom conditions during 2025.

According to the report, India’s government introduced and enforced new laws targeting religious minorities and their places of worship, while several states strengthened anti-conversion laws with harsher penalties. The report also alleged widespread detention and deportation of religious refugees, and insufficient action against extremist groups involved in attacks on minorities. Specific incidents in Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam, and other states were cited as examples of escalating violence and official inaction.

USCIRF urged the US government to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and organizations responsible for these violations, including asset freezes and travel bans on groups such as the RSS.