The Growing Crisis of Religious Freedom in India—A Cause for Global Concern
By The Craig Bushon Show Media Team
India, the world’s largest democracy and a nation revered for its rich diversity, is facing a grave crisis of religious freedom. Recent reports, including the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2024 India Country Update and the Open Doors World Watch List, have raised alarming concerns about the increasing persecution of religious minorities, particularly Christians, in the country. These reports highlight a pattern of escalating violence, discriminatory laws, and government crackdowns that threaten the fundamental rights of millions of citizens.
As a proud advocate for religious freedom and human dignity, we at The Craig Bushon Show Media Team are deeply disturbed by the data that continues to emerge from India. The USCIRF’s call to designate India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) is a stark warning that cannot be ignored. While India remains a significant global player with strategic partnerships, the growing religious oppression within its borders is a matter that demands the attention of the international community.
A Nation at a Crossroads
India has long prided itself on being a beacon of pluralism and tolerance, where a rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and languages coexists. However, this image is increasingly being overshadowed by troubling reports of religious violence and discrimination. The 2024 USCIRF report highlights that in 2024 alone, 12 of India’s 28 states introduced or strengthened anti-conversion laws, which critics argue disproportionately target Christian communities. These laws, often framed as measures to curb forced conversions, are being used to suppress religious freedom and harass religious minorities.
Moreover, India’s cow slaughter laws, which prohibit the killing of cows in certain states, have led to widespread violence against Muslims and Dalits. These laws, while presented as a defense of Hindu traditions, have sparked violent mobs and unlawful attacks on vulnerable religious communities. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which offers citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries, has further fueled divisions, triggering nationwide protests and exacerbating religious tensions.
What is most troubling is the Indian government’s response to these developments. Instead of taking strong action to protect religious minorities, the government has largely turned a blind eye to these abuses. In fact, the USCIRF report states that the government has failed to effectively prosecute those responsible for mob violence against Muslims, Christians, and other religious minorities. This lack of accountability only emboldens the perpetrators and sends a dangerous message that religious persecution will be tolerated.
A Deepening Crisis for Religious Minorities
The Open Doors World Watch List 2024, which ranks India as the 11th most dangerous country for Christians, underscores the growing threat to religious freedom. Christians in India are increasingly facing not only violence but also social ostracism and legal hurdles. Church leaders, pastors, and missionaries have been arrested, harassed, and in some cases, even killed for practicing their faith.
Anti-Christian Violence: A Disturbing Trend
Data from multiple reports, including the USCIRF and Open Doors, shows a disturbing trend of increasing violence directed at Christians in India. Violence and threats against Christians have escalated in the past few years, including:
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Assaults and Threats: Christians, particularly in rural areas, have been physically assaulted, often during religious gatherings or while engaged in missionary work. For instance, in 2023, there were 123 reported assaults on Christians in the first two months alone, according to the Evangelical Fellowship of India.
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Church Attacks: Numerous churches have been vandalized, set on fire, or attacked. Congregations have faced threats of violence, and religious services have been disrupted by mobs. In Manipur, over 50 churches were destroyed during ethnic riots in 2023, with many of the victims being Christians.
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Social Ostracism and Discrimination: Christian communities, especially in more conservative regions, have faced social exclusion, economic boycotts, and discrimination. These communities are marginalized simply for their religious beliefs. In Chhattisgarh, hundreds of tribal Christians were forced out of their villages for refusing to renounce their faith.
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Legal Harassment: Christians have been falsely accused of forced conversions and have faced legal repercussions, including imprisonment, under India’s controversial anti-conversion laws. In 2023, the United Christian Forum reported 687 incidents of violence against Christians, with many involving legal harassment and false accusations.
Despite the severity of these attacks, there has been little accountability, with many perpetrators not facing legal consequences. This climate of fear is only intensifying as religious minorities—especially Christians—find themselves increasingly vulnerable to violence.
The situation is dire. Christians are being accused of “forced conversions” and subjected to violent reprisals by extremist groups. Social ostracism is rampant, as entire communities are often excluded from society simply for their religious beliefs. The legal landscape is not any better, with anti-conversion laws being used as tools for persecution rather than protection.
The Global Response and the Need for Immediate Action
The global community must not stand by as India—a nation that touts its democratic values—becomes a hotbed for religious intolerance and oppression. The United States, in particular, has a moral responsibility to address these violations, especially as India continues to be an important strategic partner. The current trajectory is untenable, and it is imperative that the U.S. government take a stronger stance on India’s religious freedom crisis.
A Call to Action
It is time for the international community to recognize the alarming trends that are unfolding in India and take meaningful steps to address them. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has already made its position clear—India must be designated as a Country of Particular Concern. The U.S. government should heed this recommendation and take concrete actions to hold the Indian government accountable.
At the same time, global advocacy groups and religious organizations must continue to amplify the voices of those suffering in India. The Open Doors World Watch List and other monitoring bodies have done invaluable work in shedding light on the plight of Christians in India, but the task of ensuring their protection cannot fall on them alone.
We must demand that the Indian government not only uphold its constitutional promise of religious freedom but also take immediate steps to curb the rise of extremist violence, repeal discriminatory laws, and protect the rights of religious minorities. This is not just a matter of politics; it is a matter of human dignity.
The Road Ahead
India’s future as a global leader and a democratic beacon depends on its ability to safeguard the rights of all its citizens—regardless of their religious beliefs. If India is to maintain its standing as a democratic superpower, it must confront the growing crisis of religious oppression with the urgency it demands.
The international community must stand united in urging India to restore its commitment to religious freedom and human rights. If we do not act now, the consequences of inaction will be felt for generations to come.
Disclaimer:s on legislation.
The views expressed in this article are those of The Craig Bushon Show Media Team and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations, individuals, or entities. The information presented is based on the reports available at the time of publication and is intended for informational purposes only.
