USCIRF demands sanctions against RSS, no high-level meetings with its leaders

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat salutes during the flag hoisting ceremony at RSS headquarters in Nagpur | Photo credit: ANI

Officials of the US Advisory Body on Religious Freedom have called for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and asked the US government not to extend diplomatic courtesy to its leaders or hold high-level talks with them.

US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) chairman Asif Mahmood said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a member of the RSS, which he described as an umbrella organization whose sub-groups carry out attacks on religious minorities.

Published – 20 Aug 2026 12:38 IST