Christians in parts of northern India are reporting increasing persecution, including harassment, attacks, and restrictions on worship, raising concerns both locally and internationally.
Believers say incidents have worsened in recent years, with some pastors jailed and church gatherings disrupted. A wave of attacks during the 2025 Christmas season particularly alarmed Christian communities.
According to the United Christian Forum, 734 attacks against Christians were reported in 2023, rising to 834 in 2024. Organizations such as Genocide Watch and the Voice of the Martyrs also note growing hostility toward Christians, as well as other religious minorities including Muslims.
Some Christians link the violence to Hindu nationalist groups and political influence from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Most attacks are concentrated in northern India, but incidents have been reported in western and southern states, including Rajasthan and Karnataka.
Observers say opposition to Christianity often involves intimidation and surveillance, with small churches and missionaries facing legal and social pressure. Laws against “forced conversion” have also been used to jail Christians accused of preaching their faith.
Despite these challenges, recent legal rulings have offered some relief. In December 2025, the Allahabad High Court in Uttar Pradesh ruled that preaching Christianity and distributing Bibles does not violate forced conversion laws.
The situation has drawn international attention. U.S. politicians and officials have called for action, including targeted sanctions against Indian officials involved in religious persecution. Some Indian Christians hope the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, will respond to these concerns.
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