WASHINGTON (AFP) — The US government watchdog on religious freedom abroad criticized India for refusing to grant its representatives visas, after their planned trip came under fire from Hindu conservatives.

India joins only Cuba in refusing a visit by the US commission, which has been allowed to visit even nations whose records it frequently criticizes such as China and Saudi Arabia.

A delegation of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) had planned to leave on June 12 for India, where it has voiced concern about a rise in communal violence.