US commission wants to blacklist India: BJP accuses government of discrimination against Muslims

A commission in America has suggested blacklisting India in the matter of religious freedom. The commission has accused the BJP government of discriminating against minorities. America's International Religious Freedom has suggested doing so for the fourth consecutive year. In the annual report for 2022, the commission said that India should be put on the list of countries of special concern. Economic sanctions can also be imposed on India after being put on this list.
The commission has said that the Government of India is enacting such laws not only at the national but also at the state and local levels, which are causing discrimination against minorities. America's report mentions laws on cow slaughter, religious conversion and hijab. It has been told that due to these laws, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits and tribals have been negatively affected.
It has also been said in the report that the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is suppressing the voice of the opponents. Especially those who belong to the minority community and raise their voice for their rights.
America's International Religious Freedom Commission can only suggest. It depends on the intention of the government whether it will accept it or not. The commission had suggested blacklisting India thrice earlier as well, which was not accepted by the government there. On this, the commission has raised questions about Biden's government.
The commission has said that Biden has failed to take action against India. America is strengthening relations with India despite our suggestions. In 2022, the trade between the two countries has reached Rs 98 lakh crore. Biden has also met Prime Minister Modi on several occasions.
In June last year also, the US Commission had suggested keeping India on this list. On this, the government had termed the report of the American Commission as 'wrong'.
India's Ministry of External Affairs said that 'regrettably, USCIRF repeatedly misrepresents facts in its reports'.
India had said that 'we would appeal that evaluation based on preconceived notions and biased views should be avoided'.
According to the report, apart from India, the commission has also demanded the blacklisting of Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria and Vietnam. At the same time, 8 more countries including China, Pakistan and Saudi have been asked to be included in this list again.