The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called for sanctions against India’s premier intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), over allegations of involvement in assassination plots targeting Sikh separatists abroad. The recommendation, made in the commission’s latest report, comes amid ongoing tensions between India and Western nations regarding extraterritorial activities.
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USCIRF has also urged the U.S. government to designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to alleged violations of religious freedom. However, the Indian government has strongly rejected these claims, calling the report “biased” and “politically motivated.”
Allegations Against RAW and India’s Response
USCIRF’s Claims
- The commission alleges that RAW has been involved in plots to assassinate Sikh separatists in Western countries, including the U.S. and Canada.
- This comes in light of past claims that India has been targeting individuals associated with Khalistani movements.
- The report also cites a growing pattern of religious persecution in India, particularly against Muslims and Christians.
India’s Rejection of Allegations
- The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed the report, calling it “a deliberate attempt to tarnish India’s image.”
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticized USCIRF, stating that its assessments lack credibility and do not reflect ground realities.
- India has often rejected such reports, arguing that they misinterpret domestic security measures as religious persecution.
Context: Previous Assassination Plot Allegations
The allegations against RAW come at a time when India has been under scrutiny over alleged assassination attempts abroad.
Key Incidents
- U.S. Assassination Plot (2024): Last year, U.S. authorities arrested an Indian national over an alleged plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S.-based pro-Khalistani activist.
- Canadian Controversy (2023): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India denied any role, leading to strained diplomatic ties.
- Western Concerns: Several Western nations have raised concerns over alleged Indian extraterritorial operations, prompting increased intelligence scrutiny.
Impact on U.S.-India Relations
Despite USCIRF’s recommendations, experts believe that the Biden administration is unlikely to impose sanctions on RAW or take any immediate punitive measures against India.
Key Considerations
- Strategic Importance: The U.S. views India as a crucial ally in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Defense and Trade Ties: The U.S.-India relationship includes significant defense agreements, with India being a key buyer of American military equipment.
- Non-Binding Nature: USCIRF’s recommendations are advisory and do not automatically translate into government action.
Statements from U.S. Officials
- While U.S. officials have expressed concerns over human rights in India, they have also emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement.
- No official statement has been issued by the U.S. State Department regarding potential sanctions.
Geopolitical Reactions and Future Implications
The recommendation by USCIRF has sparked mixed reactions in the global arena.
Western Countries’ Response
- Canada: Trudeau’s government has welcomed further scrutiny into India’s alleged actions abroad.
- UK & EU: Some European lawmakers have raised concerns about extraterritorial actions by Indian agencies but have not proposed sanctions.
- Australia: No official response yet, but growing discussions about intelligence cooperation with India.
India’s Possible Countermeasures
- Diplomatic Pushback: India is likely to increase its lobbying efforts in Washington, highlighting its democratic credentials.
- Policy Reassessment: Increased diplomatic strain could affect India’s engagement with Western intelligence-sharing networks.
- Domestic Reactions: Indian political leaders across party lines have condemned the report, calling it an attack on India’s sovereignty.
Moving Forward
While USCIRF’s recommendation for sanctions against RAW has intensified debates on India’s role in global security, it is unlikely to result in immediate U.S. action. The Biden administration will have to balance human rights concerns with strategic and geopolitical priorities.
India, on the other hand, is expected to push back diplomatically against what it sees as unwarranted interference. The coming months will be crucial in determining how this situation unfolds, particularly in the context of broader U.S.-India relations.
By – Nikita
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