RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No-2140
ANSWERED ON-04/08/2022
US RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT FOR 2021
2140. SHRI ABIR RANJAN BISWAS
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state
(a) whether Government is aware of the United States International Religious Freedom Report for 2021, if so, the Government's stand on it;
(b) whether according to the report numerous attacks were made on religious minorities in the year 2021 in the country, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Ministry has raised concern with the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the increasing number of such cases and international response to it, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)
(a) to (d): Every year, the U.S. Secretary of State submits to the U.S. Congress an annual report on International Religious Freedom, which contains the U.S. Government’s assessment of the state of religious freedom in every country.
The comments on India in this year’s report reflect a lack of understanding of India and its constitutional framework, plurality and democratic ethos, and misrepresent facts. In any case, no foreign entity or Government has any locus standi to pronounce on our citizens’ fundamental rights.
India is a naturally vibrant and pluralistic society, where the Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and where democratic governance and rule of law further promote and protect fundamental rights. The Government is fully committed to rights of Indian citizens enshrined in our Constitution and the laws.