Politically Motivated Criticism
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent criticisms of India, based on
the State Department’s annual International Religious Freedom Report, appear
politically motivated. Indian observers suggest these remarks coincide with the
Indian Prime Minister’s potential visit to Moscow, highlighting the
geopolitical underpinnings of the report.
A Pattern of Unsolicited Advice
The United States has a history of issuing unsolicited advice to sovereign
nations based on self-certified reports. This pattern continues with the latest
report, which has been criticized by Indian External Affairs Minister S.
Jaishankar and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for its coercive and
interventionist nature.
Impact on International Relations
Despite the critical tone of these reports, they have little tangible impact
on international relations. Typically, the Indian government responds with a
statement denouncing the report as biased, but no substantial counter-study is
provided to challenge the American narrative.
Geopolitical and Economic Dependencies
The Indian government remains focused on diversifying its defense
procurement away from Russia while maintaining friendly relations with the US.
The American administration, meanwhile, expresses its dissatisfaction with
India's geopolitical strategies through reports and press conferences, often
based on skewed statistics.
The Democrat Government's Stance
The current US administration under President Biden has been particularly
critical of India's rise. Reports on religious freedom contain inaccuracies and
lack thorough analysis, reflecting a broader confusion in American foreign
policy.
Misrepresentation of Facts
The report's portrayal of religious freedom in India often lacks factual
accuracy. For instance, it exaggerates the scale of Christian protests in New
Delhi and criticizes laws against forced religious conversions without
acknowledging the broader context of religious tensions in the region.
Ignoring Other Minorities
While the report focuses extensively on perceived issues faced by Muslims,
it overlooks the challenges faced by other minority communities in India, such
as Parsis and Jains, who receive little political attention or protection.
Questionable Neutrality
The neutrality of the report is questioned due to the involvement of
officials with specific religious and political backgrounds, such as Rashad
Hussain, the US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, whose
past affiliations suggest potential bias.
Propaganda and Lack of Counter-Narratives
The US State Department's reports, along with those from the USCIRF, are
often seen as political propaganda. The Indian government has labeled the
USCIRF as a biased organization, pointing out its connections with influential
donors and religious networks. Despite these criticisms, these reports remain
influential due to the lack of alternative studies.
The Need for Balanced Studies
In an interconnected world, there is a pressing need for more balanced and
intellectually rigorous studies on religious freedom. Without these, indigenous
faiths and communities risk being misrepresented and marginalized on the global
stage
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