Growing Concerns Over Religious Freedom and Christian Persecution in India

New Delhi, July 22, 2026: Concerns over religious freedom and attacks against Christians in India have intensified in recent years, with Christian advocacy organisations and international watchdogs reporting an increase in incidents involving violence, intimidation and restrictions on religious activities.

The latest 2026 Global Persecution Index published by International Christian Concern (ICC) has raised concerns about the state of religious liberty in India, arguing that democratic institutions have not prevented the erosion of religious freedom. The report contends that persecution can increase even within democratic systems and claims that restrictions affecting religious minorities have become more systematic in recent years.

A tragedy that shocked the Christian community

One of the most widely remembered attacks against Christians in modern India remains the killing of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons, Timothy and Philip, in Odisha in January 1999.

The family was sleeping in a vehicle in Manoharpur after attending a Christian gathering when a mob attacked and set the vehicle on fire. Staines, who had spent decades working among people affected by leprosy and serving tribal communities alongside his wife, Gladys. He died in the blaze with his two sons.

The killings sparked international outrage and drew attention to the risks faced by Christian missionaries and other religious workers serving marginalised communities.

Reports of attacks across states

Christian organisations say concerns over hostility toward Christians now extend beyond Odisha. Reports of attacks on churches, pastors and Christian families have emerged from several parts of the country, including Manipur, Punjab and Chhattisgarh.

Advocacy groups have documented incidents involving physical assaults, intimidation, damage to churches and homes, and disruption of worship services. Both Catholic and Protestant communities have reported such incidents in a country where Christians constitute around two per cent of the population.

Human rights groups have attributed some of the attacks to extremist groups promoting Hindu nationalist ideology. The Indian government, however, has consistently maintained that it is committed to protecting the rights of all religious communities under the Constitution and that law and order is primarily a state responsibility.

International organisations voice concern

International organisations have also raised questions about India's record on religious freedom.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), in its 2026 annual report, again recommended that India be designated a "Country of Particular Concern", citing what it described as serious and continuing violations of religious freedom. The US State Department, however, has not adopted the recommendation.

Open Doors, which publishes the annual World Watch List, ranked India 12th in 2026 among countries where Christians face significant pressure and persecution. The organisation had ranked India 31st in 2013, pointing to what it considers a substantial deterioration in the situation over the past decade.

Anti-conversion laws spark debate

Christian leaders have also expressed concern about anti-conversion laws enacted in several Indian states.

Supporters of the legislation argue that such laws are necessary to prevent forced, fraudulent or coercive religious conversions. Church leaders and civil rights organisations, however, contend that broadly worded provisions can be misused against pastors, evangelists and ordinary Christians, even in cases where there is no evidence of coercion.

Christian advocacy groups say the laws have contributed to an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear, with some believers becoming increasingly cautious about publicly expressing or sharing their faith.

Christian witness continues

Despite the challenges, Christian communities across India continue to operate schools, hospitals, social service institutions and charitable programmes serving people regardless of religion, caste or social background.

Church leaders maintain that Christians remain committed to the country's development and to serving society while living out the teachings of the Gospel.

For many Christians, the witness of those who have suffered because of their faith—including Graham Staines and his two sons—continues to serve as a reminder of the Christian call to love, forgiveness and perseverance.

As concerns over religious freedom remain in the international spotlight, Christian communities and advocacy groups are calling for greater protection of religious minorities and reaffirming the constitutional right of every person to freely profess, practise and propagate their faith within the framework of the law.

Source: The Washington Times

Photo Credit: Christian Solidarity International