The US rights report on India highlights abuses in Manipur and cites harassment of media and minorities.

Modi refutes allegations of discrimination, asserting that his policies are designed to benefit all Indians. WASHINGTON: The US State Department's annual human rights assessment revealed \"significant\" abuses in India's northeastern Manipur state last year, alongside attacks on minorities, journalists, and dissenting voices across the country. Manipur witnessed intense clashes between its tribal Kuki-Zo and majority Meitei communities following a court order a year ago recommending the extension of minority privileges from the Kuki to the Meitei. The violence resulted in over 200 fatalities. According to the State Department report, more than 60,000 individuals were displaced between May and November in Manipur. The Indian embassy in Washington has not yet issued a response to the report. Elsewhere in India, the State Department noted \"numerous instances\" where the government and its allies allegedly exerted pressure or harassed media outlets critical of the government. For instance, in early 2023, the Income Tax Department conducted searches at the BBC's offices after the network released a documentary criticizing Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian government stated that the search was not retaliatory. Reporters Without Borders ranked India at 161 out of 180 countries on its press freedom index in 2023, marking the country's lowest position ever. The US assessment highlighted reports of discrimination against religious minorities in India, including instances of incitement to violence and the dissemination of misinformation. Despite allegations of minority abuse, Modi, who is poised to secure a record-equaling third term in the ongoing elections until June 1, denies such accusations. He maintains that his policies are aimed at benefiting all Indians.

Human rights organizations argue that the climate has worsened under Modi's leadership, citing an increase in hate speech, the abrogation of Muslim-majority Kashmir's special status, a citizenship law criticized by the U.N. as \"fundamentally discriminatory,\" and the demolition of Muslim properties under the guise of removing illegal constructions. While the US report echoed familiar concerns from previous years, political analysts suggest that Washington exercises restraint in publicly criticizing New Delhi due to hopes that India will serve as a counterweight to an expansionist China.

City: Washington