The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Hindu nationalist organization widely regarded as the ideological backbone of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has launched an international outreach campaign aimed at countering growing criticism over its role in religious persecution and sectarian violence. According to a recent Reuters report, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale confirmed that the organization has organized visits to the United States, Britain, and Germany — with additional outreach planned across Europe and Southeast Asia — to “dispel certain misgivings and misconceptions” surrounding the group.