A Wall Street Journal opinion piece warned of rising attacks on Christians and minorities in India. It linked the trend to the period since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. The article described growing violence, intimidation, and hostility across several states.
The piece said Muslims have long faced discrimination, but Christians are now increasingly targeted. Christians make up about 2.3% of India’s population and often belong to poorer communities. Attacks reportedly include mob harassment, church vandalism, and forced conversion accusations.
Read more: Minorities face escalating violence across India
According to the article, at least 12 states have enacted anti-conversion laws. These laws ban conversions through force, fraud, or allurement. However, the piece said authorities often use them against Christian clergy and congregations.
The article cited Christmas-related incidents in BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Hindu nationalist groups reportedly disrupted church services and vandalised decorations. Videos also showed a regional leader confronting worshippers in Madhya Pradesh.
Read more: US officials warn on India’s treatment of minorities
Human rights groups reported a sharp rise in anti-Christian incidents nationwide. Cases rose from 139 in 2014 to 834 in 2024, with 706 recorded by November 2025. While Modi attended Christmas Mass this year, the piece said his government has not condemned recent attacks.