The United States Congressmen Keith Ellison and Joe Pitts, on 18 November, introduced a resolution calling on India to protect the rights and freedoms of religious minorities in the country. The bipartisan resolution recognises the suffering of victims of religious violence in India and calls for specific actions to be taken by both the Indian government and the U.S. State Department.
“The victims of events like the riots in Gujarat demand justice,” said Pitts, adding, “The Indian government cannot expect to make greater strides on religious freedom and human rights in the future while countless thousands have not seen justice for their lost loved ones.” Ellison stated, “All Indians should have the right to practise their faith freely, or to change their faith if they so choose. India is big enough for all its citizens.” The resolution also calls on the State Department to continue the policy of denying Narendra Modi a visa for entry into the United States.