India rejects USCIRF's report, says Constitution guarantees 'fundamental rights to all'

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rubbished US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) report on religious intolerance on the rise in India, saying New Delhi does not see the locus standi of a foreign entity like the former to pronounce on state of Indian citizens' constitutionally protected rights.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens, including the right to freedom of religion.

"Our attention has been drawn to the recent report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, which once again fails to proper understanding of India, its Constitution and its society," Swarup said.

"India is a vibrant pluralistic society founded on strong democratic principles. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens including the right to freedom to religion. The government does not see the locus standi of a foreign entity like USCIRF to pronounce on the state of Indian citizens' constitutionally protected rights. We take no cognizance of their report," he added.

According to the annual report of the USCIRF, religious tolerance deteriorated in India last years and incidents of violation of religious freedom increased.

"In 2015, religious tolerance deteriorated and religious freedom violations increased in India. Minority communities, especially Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs, experienced numerous incidents of intimidation, harassment, and violence, largely at the hands of Hindu nationalist groups,"the report said.

"These issues, combined with longstanding problems of police bias and judicial inadequacies, have created a pervasive climate of impunity, where religious minority communities feel increasingly insecure, with no recourse when religiously-motivated crimes occur," the report added.

"USCIRF will continue to monitor the situation closely during the year ahead to determine if India should be recommended to the U.S. State Department for designation as a 'country of particular concern,' or CPC, under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) for systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom," the report further said.