Christians in India 8-30-25

Despite anecdotal claims and reports of increasing Christian persecution, data suggests that the Christian population in northern India is not surging. Attacks and intimidation against the Christian minority, however, are increasing, particularly in northern states governed by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).  

Christian population trends

·       Northern India is overwhelmingly Hindu: A 2015 analysis reported that some Hindu nationalist groups expressed concern about a "religious imbalance" in northern regions, citing slow Christian growth in contrast to the majority Hindu population. As of 2011, Christians made up only 0.2% of the population in Haryana, a state in northern India, which was more than 87% Hindu.

·       National growth rate is slow: According to a Pew Research Center study, India's Christian population grew at a slower pace (15.7%) than Muslims and Hindus between 2001 and 2011. Christians are expected to constitute 2.2% of the population in 2050, a slight decrease from the 2.5% in 2010. 

Persecution and anti-conversion efforts

Human rights organizations and advocacy groups reported a significant increase in violence, harassment, and discrimination against Christians in India, particularly in northern states. 

·       Growing attacks: The United Christian Forum (UCF) reported 834 documented attacks in 2024, a 555% increase over the decade from 2014 to 2024. These incidents include physical assaults, property damage, and intimidation, often driven by Hindu nationalist groups. From January to May 2025 alone, over 950 incidents of persecution were reported, according to an Open Doors local partner.

·       Forced reconversions: In some rural areas, particularly in northern states like Chhattisgarh, Hindu nationalist groups pressure Christian converts to convert back to Hinduism.

·       "Anti-conversion" laws: States like Rajasthan have introduced or proposed anti-conversion laws in 2025, which can lead to fines and imprisonment. Critics argue these laws criminalize legitimate religious expression under the guise of preventing "forced conversions". 

Persecution vs. "surging" claims

The narrative of a "surging" Christian population often serves as a pretext for persecution. 

·       Hindu nationalist groups sometimes use census data to create "demographic hysteria," portraying Christians and Muslims as outsiders and a threat to the country's religious balance.

·       International Christian organizations and local Christian leaders frequently report on the escalating violence and discrimination, rather than a population surge. In early 2025, Christian leaders issued an appeal to the Indian government to stop the surge in anti-Christian violence, which has become a growing national trend. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=are+christians+surging+in+northern+india+2025+ai

Comments

India’s Culture is rooted in its Hindu Religion that maintains a “Caste System”, Multiple Gods and belief in Interspecies Reincarnation. Holy Cow. Like Westerners, India’s Culture is “Family Based” and accomplishment oriented. They have a “Sense of Humor” that aids their assimilation with other countries.

India has a history of protecting Hinduism from other religions. India carved out Pakistan and moved its Muslims to Pakistan. Christians have been tolerated so far because they are not belligerent.  Many Indian Christians have moved to the US and other “Western” countries and do well. 

The US based its Founding on Judeo-Christian Law, but rejected establishing a National Religion.

US citizens are free to choose their religion or no religion. The US was founded to include a Creator God and includes this in US Culture. US Law is based on the 10 Commandments.

The article above suggests that a Fundamentalist Hindu Movement may have formed and is now attacking Christians.

India’s Caste System seems to motivate India’s Citizens to advance to higher levels of accomplishment. European Serfs did the same in the 1600s when they settled in American Colonies to be able to own land. All Humans share these ambitions.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader