The United States has expressed disappointment at India’s decision to not grant visas to members of the US Commission of International Religious Freedom, which plays a key role in reviewing violations of religious rights globally. Spokesman for the State Department John Kirby said, “We think every society is made stronger when people are free to worship or not worship at all. And that would apply in India as it does anywhere else around the world.” He added that he did not have a formal policy statement on the current state of religious freedom in India, but reiterated that they were “disappointed by this decision”, PTI reported.

On Friday, India justified its decision to not grant visas to USCIRF commissioners, saying the body did not have a locus standi to pass judgement and comment on the rights of citizens protected by the Constitution. Members of the commission were scheduled to leave for India on March 4, for a visit planned with the support of the US embassy in India and the US State Department. USCIRF Chairman Robert George had said that as a “pluralistic, non-sectarian, and democratic state, and a close partner of the United States, India should have the confidence to allow our visit”.