USCIRF urges US sanctions on India over minority rights abuses

September 9, 2026 at 09:37 PM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called on the U.S. government to impose targeted sanctions on India, citing systematic violations of minority rights under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. The commission's report details abuses against Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Dalits, and recommends designating India as a 'country of particular concern.'

Key Facts

USCIRF recommends designating India as a 'country of particular concern' and imposing targeted sanctions, including asset freezes and visa restrictions on officials involved in human rights violations.
Approximately 70% of prisoners in India are awaiting trial, with Muslims and Sikhs disproportionately represented among them.
The report documents the demolition of minority homes without court approval, a practice referred to as 'bulldozer justice.'
The commission notes that the Modi government has intensified measures and policies against minorities since coming to power in 2014.

Commission Findings

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a report detailing systematic violations of the rights of national and religious minorities in India, including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Dalits. The report states that the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified measures and policies against minorities since coming to power in 2014. It highlights that approximately 70% of prisoners in the country are awaiting trial, with Muslims and Sikhs disproportionately represented among them. The commission also recorded transnational repression against Sikh activists, discrimination against Dalits, and the demolition of minority homes without court approval, a practice referred to as 'bulldozer justice.'

Recommended Actions

USCIRF recommended that the U.S. government designate India as a 'country of particular concern' and impose targeted sanctions, including asset freezes and visa restrictions, on officials involved in human rights violations. The commission's call for sanctions follows its documentation of abuses against religious and caste minorities under the current Indian government.