India, the world’s largest democracy, stands accused of betraying its core principles. The recent recommendation by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to designate India as a “country of particular concern” exposes a nation increasingly intolerant towards its minorities. This descent into Hindu nationalism casts a long shadow on India’s past promises of secularism.
The plight of religious minorities in India is no secrete and paints a grim picture. Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs face a chilling combination of discriminatory laws and mob violence. Testimonies of torture and vandalism against religious minorities highlight a systematic suppression. The controversial Babri Masjid demolition and its aftermath serve as a stark reminder of the simmering tensions.
This is not just a domestic issue. India’s rise as a global power demands a commitment to international human rights standards. The world cannot remain silent in the face of such blatant disregard for religious freedom. Mere symbolic gestures like “special concern” status are no longer enough.
The international community, especially the US and the European Union, must act. Targeted sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure can nudge India back towards its secular ideals. Pakistan, which has long championed the cause of religious minorities in India, deserves support in its pursuit of accountability.
World leaders must understand that their silence emboldens the forces of intolerance. India’s potential cannot be fully realized if a significant portion of its population lives in fear. The time to act is now. The fate of millions hinges on the international community’s willingness to hold India accountable and remind it of its unfulfilled promise of a nation where all faiths can coexist peacefully.
