The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called on the US government to consider revoking the visa of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, ahead of his scheduled appearance at a major event in New York.

Bhagwat is currently visiting the United States as part of a three-nation tour. He is scheduled to address the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York on August 29. Organisers describe the programme as an interfaith gathering involving people from different religious and cultural backgrounds.

USCIRF Raises Religious Freedom Concerns

USCIRF said it was concerned about Bhagwat's visit and urged Washington to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials whom it alleges are involved in religious-freedom violations.

The commission also called for Bhagwat's visa to be revoked and for him to be made ineligible for future entry into the United States.

USCIRF has alleged that members of organisations linked to the RSS have been involved in violence against religious minorities. These are USCIRF's allegations, which India has strongly rejected.

India Rejects USCIRF Claims

India's Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed USCIRF's assessments, describing the organisation as biased and lacking credibility.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has previously accused the commission of repeatedly making what India considers incorrect and provocative statements about the country. India maintains that USCIRF does not adequately reflect India's pluralistic social and religious framework.

RSS Defends Bhagwat’s New York Programme

The RSS has defended Bhagwat's upcoming appearance, describing the Universal Oneness Celebration as an inclusive, multicultural and interfaith forum.

RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar said the event would provide an opportunity for Bhagwat to interact with people from different religious and cultural backgrounds in a spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect.

Event Faces Opposition

Bhagwat's scheduled New York appearance has also faced opposition from several advocacy groups.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he does not support the event but questioned whether the city has the legal authority to cancel a private gathering.

Meanwhile, the Hindu American Foundation has issued a security advisory urging attendees to remain vigilant and maintain civil interactions during the event.

USCIRF Recommendations Are Not Binding

USCIRF is a US federal advisory commission that makes recommendations on international religious freedom. Its recommendations do not automatically become US government policy and are not binding on the administration.

The latest call therefore does not itself mean that Bhagwat's visa has been revoked or that his New York appearance has been cancelled.

AHEAD Forum to Host Event

The American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum is organising the Universal Oneness Celebration. The event is expected to bring together thousands of attendees and has been presented as a programme focused on interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange and the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family.