WORLD WATCH LIST

India

#11

Hindu extremists believe true Indians are Hindu, and minorities are persecuted.

bottom

“Though I was attacked twice, still I can feel God’s protection in my life. I was attacked, yet was not crushed.”

– Rishi, a church leader in India

Country
Profile

Region: Asia
Sources of persecution: Religious Nationalism
Population: 1,419,656,000
Christian population: 71,120,000
Religions: Hinduism
Leader: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Score: 83

DOWNLOAD FULL PROFILE

What’s Life Like For Christians?

Christians around the nation find themselves increasingly under threat. This hostility is often driven by an ongoing belief among some Hindu extremists that Indians ought to be Hindu, and any faith outside of Hinduism is not welcome in India. This mindset has led to violent attacks across the country and impunity for the people who perpetrate this violence, especially in places where the authorities are also Hindu hardliners.

More and more states are also implementing anti-conversion laws, creating an environment where any Christian who shares their faith can be accused of a crime, intimidated, harassed, and even met with violence. Additionally, this hasn’t stopped mass “homecoming” campaigns whereby Hindu nationalists put tremendous pressure on Christian converts from Hinduism, telling them to return to their previous faith.

Any Christian who converts from Hinduism is the most likely to come under intense pressure or even violence. They can face constant pressure to renounce their new faith, face job loss/discrimination, endure physical assaults, and even be murdered. Church leaders are also in danger in many parts of India—extremists target them (along with their families) to create fear and chaos in the Christian community. 

Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?

Christians who convert from Hinduism are the most vulnerable to persecution across India, particularly in communities that have faced historical oppression or social discrimination.

Christian women, particularly pastors’ wives, are also vulnerable to sexual violence or assault. Persecutors believe that by hurting and shaming the women in the family, the entire family unit and, in turn, the church might be destroyed. Christian women also experience acid attacks, brutal beatings, and even death.

PRAY FOR INDIA

– Ask God to bring about healing and lasting peace in Hindu-majority regions.

– Pray that Hindu nationalists will accept Christians as fellow Indians.

– Ask God to protect and grow His Church in every part of India. 

What Does Open Doors Do To Help?

Open Doors’ local partners strengthen the church in India by providing Bibles, emergency aid, persecution survival training, and livelihood and community development projects.