Is the US Considering Sanctions on India’s RAW? Understanding the Controversy
. Today, we are discussing a significant development in international politics—reports suggesting that the United States may impose sanctions on India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). This issue has been widely covered in global media, with the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urging the US government to take action against RAW.
But is this a realistic possibility, or is it just another diplomatic challenge that India needs to navigate? Let’s analyze the situation in detail.
What is USCIRF, and Why is It Targeting India?
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is a US government body that monitors religious freedom worldwide and makes policy recommendations. Each year, it releases a report listing countries where it believes religious minorities are persecuted. In its latest report, USCIRF has placed India in the “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) category, alongside nations like China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.
However, what makes this year’s report different is that it specifically recommends sanctions on India’s RAW, accusing it of attempting an assassination in the US. The allegations stem from reports that RAW agents tried to eliminate a Khalistani separatist in New York in 2023.
What Exactly is USCIRF Suggesting?
USCIRF’s recommendations to the US government include:
- Sanctions on RAW officials, particularly those allegedly involved in operations abroad.
- Freezing RAW’s assets in the US, including any financial holdings.
- Banning RAW agents from entering the US.
- Reviewing arms sales to India, including MQ-9 drones and other military hardware.
These are serious recommendations, but it’s important to remember that