The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) joined a Tuesday celebration of the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Fitr at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

At the Blair House event, Secretary Blinken affirmed the U.S. commitment to safeguarding religious freedom for persecuted Muslims around the world, stating, “We’re standing up for those who face persecution, for peacefully worshiping, those who are vilified for being part of a religious minority, those who face real threats to their safety, for choosing not to observe a faith at all.”

“We express our deep gratitude to Secretary Blinken for highlighting the importance of persecution of Muslims globally. We encourage the U.S. to ensure its strategic partnership with India includes firm commitments to protect religious freedoms for all minorities,” IAMC Executive Director Rasheed Ahmed. Ahmed attended the event alongside Rashad Hussain, Ambassador at Large in the Office of International Religious Freedom, and chief advisor to Secretary Blinken in matters of religious persecution.

“In addition to offering a platform to celebrate the substantial accomplishments of Indian American Muslims, the event offered an occasion to inform key policymakers on growing threats to Muslims in India,” Ahmed said. “On behalf of IAMC, the largest civil rights organization of Indian Muslims in America, it is my honor to represent the community in dialog with the State Department, and to celebrate the holiest of days.”