US advisory body officials allege attacks on Indian gurdwaras, drawing pushback from New Delhi

Two officials from an American advisory body on religious freedom have stated that Sikh gurdwaras in India recently faced vigilante attacks. David Anderson, a commissioner with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, made the claim in a social media post, noting attempts to harm religious leaders over the past several weeks. He also suggested that the U.S. government should link security assistance to how New Delhi responds to violence affecting religious freedom. Another commissioner from the same body, Joe Grogan, stated that attacks on houses of worship in India, such as churches, gurdwaras, and mosques, violate international law regarding religious freedom rights. He urged the U.S. government to push Indian authorities to protect places of worship and hold attackers accountable.

India's Stance

The Indian government views the advisory body as a biased organisation that lacks credibility.

Context

The advisory body was established by the U.S. government in 1998 following the International Religious Freedom Act. Its policy recommendations are non-binding on the U.S. State Department.