MEA response to the release of U.S. State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom

In response to media queries regarding the release of U.S. State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, the Official Spokesperson Shri Arindam Bagchi said:

“We have noted the release of the U.S. State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, and ill informed comments by senior U.S. officials.

It is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practiced in international relations. We would urge that assessments based on motivated inputs and biased views be avoided.

As a naturally pluralistic society, India values religious freedom and human rights. In our discussions with the US, we have regularly highlighted issues of concern there, including racially and ethnically motivated attacks, hate crimes and gun violence.”