US attempting to destabilise India during 2024 general elections; raising unnecessary allegations, says Russia

MOSCOW: The Russian foreign ministry has alleged that the US is trying to destabilise India during the 2024 general elections in India. Russia's remarks came after the release of the US Federal Commission report which claimed that there was a violation of religious freedom in India.

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that the US is making unnecessary allegations about religious freedom without knowing about India.

"The US's statement is part of an attempt to destabilize the general election and political situation in India. The US is unnecessarily interfering in India's internal affairs," Maria Zakharova said.

The annual report published by the US State Commission on International Religious Freedom was critical of the alleged violations of religious freedom in India. The report also accused the ruling BJP of reinforcing "discriminatory" nationalist policies. It also alleged that the continued enforcement of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, Citizenship (Amendment) Act and anti-conversion and cow-slaughter laws has resulted in arbitrary detention, monitoring and targeting of religious minorities and those advocating on their behalf. India had also come forward against this report.