After US Backlash, UK MP Defends RSS Chief’s London Visit: ‘Pleased to Listen to His Thoughts and Ideas’

September 4, 2026

London: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived in London on Thursday for the final leg of his three-nation international tour, with Conservative British MP Bob Blackman defending his visit and saying he was pleased to hear Bhagwat’s views and ideas about the organisation’s future.

Bhagwat’s UK visit follows his engagements in the United States and Canada as part of the RSS’s global outreach programme marking its centenary. He is expected to address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Britain over the weekend.

Blackman, a Conservative MP, said he was “pleased to listen” to Bhagwat’s thoughts and ideas for the future of the RSS.

His comments came amid criticism of Bhagwat’s international tour, particularly following opposition to his appearance in New York.

Over 100 British Hindu groups welcome Bhagwat

More than 100 British Hindu and community organisations have welcomed Bhagwat’s arrival in the UK and issued a joint statement in support of his visit. Hindu Council UK, Hindu Forum of Britain, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK and INSIGHT UK were among the organisations that signed the statement.

The organisations described the RSS as a voluntary organisation involved in character building, volunteering, leadership, social cohesion and promoting global fraternity.

They also highlighted the organisation’s social work, including activities related to education, equality and disaster response.

The groups said Bhagwat’s centenary outreach programme focuses on five areas: social harmony and cohesion, the importance of family, selfless service, environmental stewardship and civic duties.

The support comes as sections of civil society in Britain have opposed Bhagwat’s visit and urged the government to distance itself from his UK engagements.

UK government responds to questions over visit

Bhagwat’s arrival also prompted questions in the UK Parliament.

British Indian MP Nadia Whittome had asked the UK Home Office whether Bhagwat’s visit had been assessed in accordance with the government’s policy on preventing hate preachers and extremists from entering the country.

UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis responded to the parliamentary query on Thursday, saying the Home Office could not comment on individual cases but remained committed to addressing security concerns and tackling threats involving violence and hatred.

“All individuals seeking entry to the UK must meet the requirements of the immigration rules,” Jarvis said.

His response came after civil society groups, including the South Asia Solidarity Group and Hindus for Human Rights UK, called on the British government to boycott Bhagwat’s visit.

US backlash over Bhagwat’s New York visit

The controversy surrounding Bhagwat’s UK visit follows criticism of his appearance in New York last month.

Bhagwat addressed around 5,000 members of Indian American organisations at the Infosys Theater inside Madison Square Garden during an event titled “Universal Oneness Celebration”. The programme was organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) as part of the RSS centenary-year outreach programme.

The event attracted criticism from US lawmakers, including Rashida Tlaib and Jim McGovern. They objected to the platform given to Bhagwat and accused the RSS of promoting discrimination and violence against religious minorities in India.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also criticised the RSS and described the rise of the movement as “incredibly troubling”, while saying the city government likely did not have jurisdiction to cancel a private event.

During his US engagements, Bhagwat spoke about unity, diversity and social harmony. He also told the Indian diaspora that their primary duty was towards the country where they live and work, referring to it as their karma bhumi.

Bhagwat’s UK visit has therefore drawn both support from British Hindu organisations and scrutiny from sections of civil society, while the British government has maintained that entry into the country is governed by its immigration rules.