George Bernard Shaw once remarked: “Beware of false information, it is more dangerous than ignorance.” This observation is particularly apt in today’s hyper-digital world, where what we see online and what we perceive are often two sides of a coin. Verified accounts, hundreds of retweets and large followings have become the benchmarks of authenticity, yet genuine scrutiny and fact-checking remain essential to discern fact from disinformation.
A recent investigation by the think tank Disinfo Lab (@DisinfoLab) suggests a troubling pattern. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)—which recently designated India as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC)—claims to be a bipartisan federal body monitoring threats to religious freedom abroad. However, the report argues that the organisation has been engaged in a coordinated agenda aimed at discrediting India, South Asia’s largest democracy.
USCIRF and Its Designations
Established under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, USCIRF advises the US government on global violations of religious freedom. In its 2020 report, India was designated a CPC, a classification reserved for nations accused of “systematic, ongoing, egregious” violations of religious freedom. Such a designation not only tarnishes India’s global reputation but may also adversely impact foreign direct investment and global economic partnerships, as potential investors hesitate in light of negative international assessments.
Alleged Influence Networks
According to Disinfo Lab, USCIRF has become entangled with lobbying efforts led by groups such as the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) and the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), dating back to 2013–14. These groups are alleged to have influenced USCIRF to adopt critical positions towards India.
The report highlights several key figures linked to USCIRF:
- Anurima Bhargava, chair of the 2021 report, previously held a fellowship with the Open Society Foundation, founded by George Soros, who is often critical of China, Russia and India.
- Nadine Maenza, a commissioner since 2018, has long-standing political ties in the US and is reportedly linked to lobbying activities against India.
- Terry Allen, a lobbyist at Fidelis Government Relations (FGR), is said to have received payments from IAMC to lobby USCIRF against India.
- Harrison Akins, a senior policy analyst for the 2020 report, is noted for close academic and social connections with Pakistani officials and diaspora groups critical of India.
The report also points to the India America Center for Social Justice (IACSJ), which emerged in 2020, the same day USCIRF’s 2020 report was launched. With leadership ties to IAMC, its online presence and fundraising campaigns were allegedly designed to amplify narratives targeting India, particularly during the CAA–NRC protests.
India’s Response
India has consistently rejected USCIRF’s assessments, denouncing them as biased and politically motivated. Successive governments have refused to grant USCIRF representatives entry into the country, including in 2009 and 2019. The official stance is that USCIRF reports lack objectivity and are driven by vested interests.
The Importance of Fact-Checking
In light of these allegations, the need for rigorous fact-checking becomes ever more crucial. Citizens must remain alert to disinformation, particularly when it emanates from institutions that present themselves as impartial arbiters of truth. Bodies such as USCIRF, which hold both social and moral responsibility, should ideally operate with transparency, objectivity and neutrality. Yet when doubts about their impartiality arise, scrutiny becomes a civic duty.