Continuing to rebut charges by a US commission that religious freedom is on a negative trajectory in India, the government today said the American entity does not have the locus standi in making such pronouncement on constitutionally-protected rights of Indian citizens.
At the same time, the government said it looked forward to continue working with the US government for sharing of experience and best practice on all issues of mutual interest under established bilateral mechanism.
In its annual report, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) had said religious tolerance deteriorated and religious freedom violations increased in India in 2015.
"India is a vibrant pluralistic society founded on strong democratic principles. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens including the right to freedom of religion," Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said, replying to a question in Lok Sabha.
He further said "government does not see the locus standi of a foreign entity like USCIRF to pronounce on the status of Indian citizens' constitutionally-protected rights."
The minister also said the USCIRF has expressed desire to send a delegation to India.
To a separate question, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in a written answer said India, Iran and Afghanistan have finalised the text of the agreement on establishment of international transport and transit corridors through the Chabahar port in Iran.
"The agreement provides necessary legal framework for movement of goods and passengers across the territories of the parties via Chabahar port in Iran," she said.
Swaraj was admitted to AIIMS on April 25 following chest congestion and has been undergoing treatment there since then.
