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India strongly criticized the U.S. State Department’s 2023 report on International Religious Freedom, describing it as "highly biased" and asserting that it portrayed issues in a "one-sided manner".
Speaking at the weekly press briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the report cast doubt on the "integrity" of specific legal rulings by Indian courts and underscored the United States' own track record in addressing domestic hate crimes.
"The report comprises assumptions, distortions, cherry-picked facts, reliance on prejudiced sources, and an unbalanced presentation of matters. This includes its portrayal of our Constitutional provisions and legally enacted laws in India. It has selectively highlighted incidents to push a predetermined narrative," Mr. Jaiswal remarked.
In response to the criticism, Mr. Jaiswal pointed out the law enforcement situation in the U.S. and highlighted crimes committed by racially motivated individuals against Indians and other ethnic communities. "Throughout 2023, India officially addressed multiple instances in the U.S., including hate crimes, racial assaults on Indian nationals and other minorities, vandalism and attacks on places of worship, mistreatment by law enforcement, and the political tolerance given to advocates of extremism and terrorism overseas," he stated, dismissing the report's findings concerning India.
The U.S. report also discussed the push for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and noted that "different personal laws govern members of various religious communities in matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance, based on religion, faith, and cultural norms."
Regarding the comments in the report about Indian legal provisions, Mr. Jaiswal remarked that the report seemed to interfere with India's legislative affairs. "In certain instances, the report questions the validity of laws and regulations, as well as the authority of legislatures to enact them. Additionally, it appears to challenge the credibility of specific legal judgments issued by Indian courts," he added.