An opinion piece questions why the United States Commission for International Religious Freedom continues to operate despite, in the author’s view, acting against the strategic interests of the United States. The commission’s 2026 report designates India as a 'country of particular concern' and recommends limiting security cooperation, linking trade and assistance to religious freedom benchmarks, and halting arms sales. It also calls for targeted sanctions against India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, and the Hindu organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The author argues that these recommendations are unsupported by credible evidence and risk damaging the strategic partnership between India and the United States. Particular criticism is directed at the proposal to sanction Indian institutions, which the writer describes as an overreach into the sovereignty of a democratic ally. The article also raises concerns about the background and motivations of members of the commission.

Defending the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the piece highlights its extensive social service network and longstanding presence in community development. It further notes that former military officers, civil servants, ambassadors, and judges in India have criticized the commission’s findings as imbalanced and lacking rigor. The author concludes that the commission’s actions reflect a hidden agenda and urges its closure to preserve bilateral ties.