The statement said the attacks were largely carried out by individuals linked to Hindu nationalist groups, and resulted in at least 40 deaths and the destruction of hundreds of homes and dozens of churches.

Any country that is 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'.

'India's democratic institutions charged with upholding the rule of law, most notably state and central judiciaries and police, have emerged as unwilling or unable to seek redress for victims of the violence. More must be done to ensure future violence does not occur and that perpetrators are held accountable,' said Leo.

'In both Orissa and Gujarat, court convictions have been infrequent, perpetrators rarely brought to justice and thousands of people remain displaced.'

The USCIRF India chapter notes that the deficiencies in investigating and prosecuting cases have resulted in a culture of impunity that gives members of minority communities few assurances of their safety, particularly in areas with a history of communal violence, and little hope of perpetrator accountability.

The report recommends that the Obama administration urge India to take new steps to promote communal harmony, protect religious minorities, and prevent communal violence by calling on all political parties.