India has dismissed remarks from a US official expressing concerns about the enforcement of a religion-based citizenship law as "inaccurate, uninformed, and unnecessary."

Recently, ahead of the general election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government unveiled regulations for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which facilitates Indian citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This move sparked scattered protests, with critics, including Muslim groups and opposition parties, contending that the law discriminates against Muslims and undermines India's secular constitution. The US Department of State spokesperson conveyed apprehensions about the law, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and equal treatment under the law.

In response, India's Ministry of External Affairs labeled the CAA as an "internal matter," asserting that the US statement was misinformed. The spokesperson emphasized that the law aligns with India's inclusive traditions and commitment to human rights, providing refuge to persecuted minorities. They rebuffed criticisms from those with a limited understanding of India's pluralistic heritage and the historical context of partition in 1947.

Although the United Nations and rights groups have raised concerns about the discriminatory nature of the CAA, the Indian government defends it as a means to address statelessness and uphold human dignity. However, activists argue that the law, combined with proposals like a national register of citizens, could marginalize India's Muslim population and potentially render many stateless.

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the CAA, denouncing it as a law that promotes religious discrimination and violates constitutional values and international standards. As India's top court prepares to hear numerous petitions challenging the law's constitutional validity, the country gears up for its upcoming general election, with Modi seeking re-election for a third consecutive term.