Address attacks on Hindu temples in the U.S., MEA says

The U.S.

Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its latest report has presented a “distorted and selective picture of India”, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday (March 16, 2026).

Instead of criticising India based on “ideological narratives”, the Commission should highlight incidents of vandalism targeting Hindu temples in the United States, the MEA’s official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

The USCIRF’s report further said that bilateral trade policies with India should be linked to “improvements in religious freedoms”.

“Instead of persisting with selective criticism of India, USCIRF would do well to reflect on the disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on Hindu temples in the United States,” Mr.

Jaiswal said, responding to the remarks, adding, “Growing intolerance and intimidation of members of the Indian diaspora in the United States merit serious attention.”
There have been several incidents of violence against individuals belonging to the Indian community in the U.S.

as well as members of the Indian diaspora in the U.S.

in recent years.

There have also been several incidents of vandalism against Hindu temples and properties that India has urged the U.S.

to address.