US Lawmakers Urge India Probe into Rights Violations Against Protesters

Washington, October 18, 2026: Several members of the US Congress have urged the American government to press India for independent investigations into reported human rights violations against protesters and the surveillance of demonstrators in the United States.

In a letter to the US government, the lawmakers cited detentions, police use of force, internet shutdowns and restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in India. They also raised concerns over reports that Indian diplomatic missions in the United States had hired photographers to monitor demonstrations supporting the CJP student movement.

The letter stated that hundreds of people, including student movement leaders, protesters and journalists, had been detained across India since October 10. More than 600 demonstrators were reportedly detained in Mumbai, while authorities closed public spaces used for protests and arrested people attempting to enter them.

The lawmakers also cited reports of police and paramilitary forces using tear gas, pellet guns and batons against unarmed demonstrators. They criticised internet shutdowns in protest-hit areas, saying the restrictions curtailed access to information and freedom of expression.

Concerns were also raised over reports that individuals identifying themselves as employees of Indian diplomatic missions had photographed demonstrators in Washington, DC, Chicago and San Francisco. Members of US human rights organisations and the Indian diaspora reportedly expressed concern about the incidents.

The lawmakers linked these developments to broader concerns about transnational repression, citing the US State Department’s 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which documented human rights concerns in India and shortcomings in official accountability.

While acknowledging steps taken by the Indian government to address grievances over examination leaks, including the education minister’s resignation, the lawmakers called for further measures to protect fundamental freedoms.

They urged Washington to seek independent investigations into the reported abuses, the release of people detained for peacefully exercising their rights, and inquiries into the monitoring and intimidation of protesters on US soil.

The letter also called for an assessment of whether the reported conduct could affect India’s eligibility for arms sales under Section 6 of the Arms Export Control Act.

The lawmakers concluded by stressing that fundamental freedoms and the right to vote are central to the democratic principles shared by the United States and India, urging Washington to raise these concerns in its bilateral engagement with New Delhi.

By Catholic Connect Reporter