Justifying its decision not to give visa to members of a US religious commission, India today said the group has no locus standi to pass its judgement and comment on its citizens' constitutionally protected rights.
"We do not see the locus standi of a foreign entity like USCIRF (US Commission on International Religious Freedom) to pass its judgement and comment on the state of Indian citizens' constitutionally protected rights," the Indian Embassy here said in a statement.
The embassy statement came after USCIRF expressed its disappointment that the Indian Government has not issued visas to its members who were planning to go to India to discuss and assess religious freedom conditions in the country.
"We are deeply disappointed by the Indian government's denial, in effect, of these visas. 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," said Robert P George, chairman of USCIRF.
India has not been giving them visa since 2009.
"There is no change in the policy of the Government of India with respect to such visits," the embassy said.
Asserting that India is a vibrant pluralistic society founded on strong democratic principles, the embassy said the Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens including the right to freedom of religion.
"We look forward to continuing working with the United States Government for sharing of experience and best practice on all issues of mutual interest under the established bilateral mechanisms like the India-United States Global Issues Forum," the statement added.
