The United States of America (USA) has expressed disappointment after the Indian Government denied a visa last week to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
"We're aware that visas were not issued by the Indian embassy to members of the United States Commission of International Religions Freedom commissioners who were planning to travel to India on the 4th of March, and we're disappointed by this news," State Department Spokesman John Kirby said.
He added that the United States was supportive of the commission and the important role they play in reviewing facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom around the world.
"As President Obama himself noted during his visit last year, we support the Government of India's commitments - commitment to promoting religious freedom and diversity. And his message during his trip to India was clear and it remains true: "Our nations are stronger when" - and I'm quoting now the President - "every person has the right to practice their faith how they choose, or to practice no faith at all, and to do so free of persecution and fear of discrimination," he further said.
Kirby also said that the US remained engaged in a number of discussions with the Indian government about this and other issues with respect to religious freedom.
Justifying its decision not to give visa to members of US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), India had last week said the group has no locus standi to pass its judgement and comment on its citizens' constitutionally protected rights.
India has not been giving them visa since 2009.
