In a statement in Washington Wednesday, the USCIRF said India earned the 'watch list' designation due to the 'disturbing increase' in communal violence against religious minorities - specifically Christians in Orissa in 2008 and Muslims in Gujarat in 2002 - and the largely inadequate response from the Indian government to protect the rights of religious minorities.

A country designated on the USCIRF 'watch list' requires 'close monitoring due to the nature and extent of violations of religious freedom engaged in or tolerated by the government'.

The USCIRF, which released its annual report early this year, had put off the publication of its India chapter due to the general elections held in April and May.

USCIRF members were keen to visit India for their first hand assessment of the situation but they were not given visas.