US Sikh Organizations Urge Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Block Mohan Bhagwat’s Entry

Washington / New Delhi: Sikh organizations based in the United States have formally written to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the administration to deny entry to Mohan Bhagwat, chief of India’s Hindu nationalist organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The appeal comes ahead of Bhagwat’s expected visit to the United States on August 25.

According to a report by The Wire, three prominent US-based Sikh organizations have urged the State Department not to provide diplomatic privileges or high-level access to leaders of ideological groups accused of involvement in abuses against religious minorities.

Letter Highlights Alleged Impact on Religious Minorities

The letter reportedly argues that the RSS and organizations associated with it have a documented history of alleged violence, discrimination and persecution targeting Sikhs, Muslims, Christians and other religious minorities.

Sikh representatives said granting a figure such as Mohan Bhagwat unrestricted access to the United States would conflict with internationally recognized human rights principles.

International Organizations Raise Concerns

The issue has also drawn attention from international human rights and religious-freedom organizations. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has previously called for measures against the RSS and its leadership, citing concerns over religious freedom and minority rights in India.

Human Rights Watch has also reported concerns regarding government policies, hate speech and the use of politically motivated cases against minorities, marginalized communities and government critics.

Political and security analysts cited in the report argue that the relationship between the RSS, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has contributed to growing concerns over religious polarization and minority rights in India.

Key Points

• Formal appeal: US Sikh organizations have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to restrict Mohan Bhagwat’s planned US visit.
• Opposition to diplomatic privileges: The organizations have called for no special diplomatic treatment or official access for the RSS chief.
• International concerns: USCIRF and human rights organizations have continued to raise concerns over alleged extremist ideology and attacks against religious minorities in India.