Three US lawmakers have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to label India a “country of special concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act. They cited worsening conditions for religious minorities and alleged misuse of anti-conversion laws across Indian states. The demand comes amid growing global attention to religious freedom issues.
Republican Congressman Glenn Grothman, US Commission on International Religious Freedom Chair Vicky Hartzler, and Vice-Chair Dr. Asif Mahmood highlighted systematic targeting of minorities in India. They pointed to cases of Christians and Muslims facing false accusations, arrests, and violence under state anti-conversion laws.
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The lawmakers noted that since 1928, 12 Indian states have enforced laws restricting religious conversion. Officials reportedly use these laws to punish religious leaders or suppress minority faith communities, sometimes triggering communal tensions.
They cited specific examples in Goa and Uttar Pradesh, where officials promoted “love jihad” narratives and accused religious figures of forcibly converting neighbors. In Madhya Pradesh, proposed legislation would punish forced conversion with the death penalty.
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The US leaders urged India to repeal anti-conversion laws to demonstrate commitment to religious freedom and strengthen ties with the United States. They stressed that protecting minorities is vital for India’s democracy and global image.