US Acknowledges Indias Great Diversity of Faiths
The United States mentioned that the country would continue to encourage the Indian government to uphold its commitments to protect religious freedom for all.
The United States remarked that it would continue to encourage India to uphold its commitments to protect religious freedom for all as the country, the world’s largest democracy, is home to a great diversity of faiths.
The United States has designated 12 nations as countries of particular concern for the current status of religious freedom in these regions. Declaring this, US State Secretary Antony Blinken stated that around the world, governments and non-state actors harass, threaten, jail, and harm individuals because of their beliefs.
The United States’ annual report on international religious freedom highlights some of the concerns they have noted regarding India. State Department spokesperson Ned Price mentioned that the US carefully monitors religious freedom in all countries. He added that the Biden Administration would continue to encourage the Indian government to uphold its commitments to protect religious freedom for all.
Price reiterated that they engage officials regularly on steps they can take to advance religious freedom. As the world’s two largest democracies, the United States and India are committed to an enduring project. This is a project that the State Secretary has also mentioned. The project strives to form a perfect union and is for both countries. The countries have worked together, and they can work together to show that their democracies can meet the people's needs. The nations must continue to hold to the core values, including respect for human rights like freedom of religion and belief or expression. This will make democracies stronger.
Based on the facts and circumstances, Secretary Blinken determined that concerns about religious freedom in India do not warrant designation as a country of particular concern or its replacement on the special watch list. On the other hand, these are conversations continuing to have with Indian partners and worldwide.
