‘We’re Indian, too’

In an age where a violent stream of Hindu nationalism seems to operate with impunity in India, here's what the reality looks like for Muslims, Christians and other minority faith groups

Oppression in India

Article 25 of the Indian Constitution recognizes that “all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion.” But the rise of violent incidents in India since the 1990s indicates that religious minorities have not enjoyed the rights afforded to them by the their own constitution.

The level of violence and persecution against Christians—and other religious minorities—in India is vast and shocking. Led by radical Hindu nationalists, who seem to operate with impunity and little interference from local, regional or national authorities, religious persecution in India has reached epidemic levels.

What's happening in India

Q&A: Maruc, a Christian leader in India

Q&A: Attacked with an axe

Q&A: Saree, a child beaten for her new faith

Open Doors' 'Count it all joy' campaign

“In our constitution it is plainly written that India is a democratic country; it is secular. There is no religion that can oppress another religion. No single religion can claim that this country belongs to them.”

Abishek, an Open Doors partner in India