World Watch Update: India
Region: South Asia
2019 World Watch List Position: #10 in the top 50 countries
Leader: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Population: 1 354 052 000 (5% are Christians)
Main Religion: Religion Hinduism
Government: Federal Parliamentary Republic
Sources of Persecution: Religious Nationalism
Hindu extremists want to see India free of Christians by the end of 2021. Hindu nationalists see being Hindu as part of one’s Indian identity – following any other faith is seen as a betrayal. The government, led by a Hindu nationalist party, turns a blind eye to attacks on Christians and other minorities.
Christians make up less than 5% of the population in India, and in rural areas they can be particularly isolated. Believers face beatings, false imprisonment and even death because of their faith in Christ.
- Ask God to protect Christians from a Hindu background.
- Pray for Open Doors’ partners to help Christians understand their legal rights – and that this will be a powerful tool in helping them defend themselves.
- Praise God for the many people coming to faith in Christ through incredible healings – and pray He will continue to use His people to bring healing and hope to many more.