The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)- a body that monitors religious freedom- chief Asif Mahmood said on Saturday (August 29) that he remains willing to meet RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and discuss concerns surrounding the organisation.
The remarks came on the day Bhagwat is scheduled to address a programme titled ‘Universal Oneness Celebrations’ at the Infosys Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
Earlier, Mahmood had urged the Trump administration to consider “targeted sanctions” against RSS members and revoke Bhagwat’s visa.
Mahmood open to meeting Bhagwat
“I would definitely be open to sitting down if there is an opportunity. If arrangements can be made, we will be happy to sit with him, talk and bring more awareness. There might be some assurances and guarantees they can give which might change our mind. Our goal is to sit with that,” Mahmood told YEARS.
Also Read: As protests grow in US, what could RSS chief’s visit mean geopolitically?
“I have respect for India as a country, but groups like RSS are creating hate according to our knowledge and violating the Freedom of Religion, as well as the Fundamental Human Rights,” he added.
Bhagwat arrived in New York on Tuesday (August 25) during a three-country visit covering the US, Canada and the UK.
Details of New York event
The event has been organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), a newly formed organisation that describes itself as a non-profit with a “non-partisan approach.” Its stated aims include an “inclusive future” and “interfaith dialogue.” Its website does not mention the RSS.
Also Read: Bhagwat speaks Gen Z’s language, but Sangh’s script hasn’t changed
The Quint reported that AHEAD was incorporated in May 2025 and received tax-exempt status by September. Its registration records identify Khanderao Kand as the incorporating agent. Kand founded the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS).
The RSS has repeatedly said that it “works only in Bharat (India)” and that “the Sangh does not control, neither directly nor remotely” foreign organisations.
USCIRF criticism of India
USCIRF had earlier said, “Religious freedom conditions in India continue to deteriorate as violence and incitement are frequently used to target religious minority communities.” It also urged Washington to consider sanctions and visa action against people it said were involved in religious-freedom violations.
The Ministry of External Affairs rejected the criticism. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called USCIRF a “biased institution” and said it had repeatedly issued incorrect and provocative statements about India.
Also Read: 75-year retirement to caste census: Decoding Mohan Bhagwat’s speech
Sunil Ambekar, the RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, has described the New York programme as an interfaith gathering involving a multicultural, multi-faith audience. The event’s organisers say its purpose is dialogue and mutual respect. “Through performance and creative expression, attendees will experience — not merely hear — what it means to hold all of creation as one,” stated its official website.
What New York Mayor said
Earlier, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani had criticised the gathering while questioning whether city authorities have the legal power to stop a privately organised event. “It is incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision,” he said as quoted in media reports.
The Hindu American Foundation advised attendees to remain civil around demonstrators and respect the right to assemble, protest and express views. It also called on Mamdani to protect the physical security and civil liberties of those attending the programme.