India
India
| World Watch List Rank | 10 |
| World Watch List Score | 83/100 |
| Leader | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Population | 1,383,198,000 | 67,356,000 Christians |
| Main Religion | Hinduism |
| WWL Rank in 2020 | 10 |
| Persecution Level | Extreme Persecution |
Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus, and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background.
Believers are often physically attacked and sometimes killed, and experience constant pressure from their family and community to return to Hinduism. If they do not “re-convert,” they may be boycotted by their community, with a devastating effect on their ability to earn income. Many believers are isolated and do not know any other Christians.
Anti-conversion laws are abused to harass and intimidate Christians. While few people are convicted under these laws, cases can drag on for years.
What changed this year?
Persecution in India has increased significantly over the past five years, and has now remained relatively unchanged for the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic has offered a new weapon for persecutors, though, and Christians are often deliberately overlooked when official COVID-19 food and aid is distributed. This has left many desperate for food, particularly since many Christians are from the Dalit caste and thus very poor, and have lost their sources of income this year.
HOW WE HELP
Open Doors works through local church partners to strengthen the Indian church through providing emergency aid (Rapid Response teams are often first on the scene after violent attacks), persecution survival training, Bibles, livelihood and community development programs, advocacy support and legal training.
PRAY FOR INDIA
- Praise God that many are coming to faith in India through miraculous healings and the courageous witness of India’s Christians. Pray that many more will come to know Jesus.
- Pray for protection for our brothers and sisters, especially new Christians, and those living in rural areas who are particularly isolated.
- Pray for wisdom and energy for Open Doors partners that God will protect them as they carry out this vital work, particularly during the pandemic.
RECENT STORIES FROM India
Christians' Fields Set on Fire
18th Dec 2020
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Two Christian families in India have had their fields set on fire by extremists in the area. The two families became Christians some time ago,…
Read MorePersecution Numbers Underreported in India
26th Nov 2020
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Violence against Christians in India may be suppressed during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it hasn’t been eliminated: A Christian man was killed and three others…
Read MoreAn Update on Persecution in India
06th Nov 2020
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According to the latest Open Doors research, through January to June 2020 there have been 349 persecution incidents affecting more than 5,000 individuals in India.…
Read MoreAmnesty International ceases operations in India in the wake of new restrictions
05th Oct 2020
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Amnesty International has ended its operations in India after the Indian government froze its bank accounts. Rajat Khosla, Amnesty's senior director of research, advocacy and…
Read MoreHelping those who are last in line
20th Aug 2020
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The pressure on India’s Christians was already growing fast. Now, because of COVID-19, many are starving. Delivering aid under restrictions is difficult, but thanks to your support, Open Doors partners are risking their health and the threat…
Read MoreKirti's Story: An Unshakeable Faith
07th Aug 2020
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In India, it’s said there are millions of gods; although, no one has an exact count. Worshipers often travel to ancient temples to make small sacrifices and…
Read MoreHeartbreak In the World's Largest Democracy
08th Jul 2020
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Listen in as we discuss the #10 country on the World Watch List - India. While it is considered the largest democracy in the world,…
Read MoreIndia: Another state to adopt the anti-conversion law
01st Jul 2020
Found in Prayer News
The north Indian state of Haryana might become the ninth state to adopt legislation which criminalizes forced conversion, the so called ‘anti-conversion law’. The state’s chief minister, Manohar Lal Khattar,…
Read MoreIndia's Christians ignored
12th Jun 2020
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Problems for people in India are piling up: While still battling the COVID-19 virus, the country’s east has been hit by the worst cyclone in…
Read MoreA Call for Help
29th May 2020
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There are phone calls you will never forget. Our partners in India shared with us this cry of help from a believer. A few…
Read MoreIndia and Covid 19
05th May 2020
Found in Prayer News
Christian families in India receive food aid while attacks continue With the most populous democracy in the world under coronavirus lockdown, many of India’s Christians…
Read MoreIndia Celebrates its 70th Republic Day
26th Jan 2020
Found in Prayer News
India celebrates its 70th Republic day today. Much pomp and display are put into the celebrations which are telecast nationwide. However, this country which is…
Read MoreIndia: Religious minorities face more difficulties
15th Aug 2019
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India celebrates its 73rd Independence Day today. The worrying question in the minds of many in India today is if Independence is merely a thought…
Read MoreChristians in India seek prayer for their nation
23rd May 2019
Found in Prayer News
India’s general election results announced today declare a landslide victory for the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) led National Democratic Alliance. Prime Minister Modi returns to…
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