New York : MNN
Three prominent Sikh organizations in the United States have strongly opposed the proposed visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or RSS, chief Mohan Bhagwat, urging US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deny him entry into the United States.
The American Sikh Caucus Committee, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast, and American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee have written a letter to Secretary Rubio, stating that Bhagwat is expected to visit the United States on or around August 25, 2026.
According to the letter, Bhagwat is also expected to attend a major public event at Madison Square Garden in New York on August 29.
The Sikh organizations allege that the RSS and its affiliated organizations have a long and documented record of promoting ideology and activities that have contributed to violence, discrimination, and persecution against religious minorities in India, including Sikhs, Muslims, and Christians.
The organizations further claim that Sikh Americans continue to face what they describe as transnational repression, intimidation, and threats linked to entities associated with the RSS and the Government of India.
The letter warns that allowing the RSS chief to enter the United States and receive public honors would send a deeply troubling signal, particularly at a time when US officials and religious-freedom organizations have raised concerns about the RSS and its alleged role in violations of religious freedom.
The Sikh groups have urged the US government not to extend diplomatic courtesies or high-level access to Mohan Bhagwat.
The letter was signed by representatives of the three organizations and was sent to Secretary Marco Rubio on August 20, 2026.
