New Delhi
August 4, 2000

In response to a question, the Spokesman said that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is a non-governmental body set up with the objective of making recommendations to the U.S. Administration and to the U.S. Congress.  Government has seen the recommendations made by this body on 31st July.  The U.S. Government has not reacted to this report.

2. Government regards this report as an internal document of the U.S. system and does not take cognizance of such non-official reports.

3. The Indian Constitution guarantees absolute religious freedom to the citizens of India, reflecting the country’s well-known social traditions of tolerance and respect for all religions.  These rights are protected by the judiciary and effectively enforced by the executive authorities.

4. Government does not need any intrusive advice on how we conduct our affairs.