'Biased views, motivated inputs': India slams US report on religious freedom
New Delhi, June 3: India on Friday responded to what it termed as "ill-informed comments" on religious freedom in the country by senior US officials and stated it is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations.
India's remarks come in response to media questions regarding the release of the US State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday claimed that there are rising attacks on people at places of worship in India.
"We have noted the release of the US State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, and ill-informed comments by senior US officials," External Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
"It is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations. We would urge that assessments based on motivated inputs and biased views be avoided," he said.
Bagchi emphasised that India values religious freedom and human rights and that India has often raised concerns in the US, such as racially and ethnically motivated attacks.
"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," he added.
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On Thursday, Blinken released the 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom.
"... In India, the world's largest democracy and home to a great diversity of faiths, we are seeing rising attacks on people in places of worship," Blinken released while delivering his address.
The annual report to Congress on International Religious Freedom - the International Religious Freedom Report - describes the status of religious freedom in every nation.
It covers government policies violating religious beliefs and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies that support religious freedom around the world.
The US Department of State releases the reports in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
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-PTC News
