The 2023 US State Department’s religious freedom report on India highlighted a rise in violent attacks on minority groups, particularly Muslims and Christians. The report noted killings, assaults, and vandalism of houses of worship targeting these communities.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, human rights experts observed an increase in attacks on minorities. The report mentioned concerns raised by senior US officials with Indian counterparts regarding religious freedom issues.
Despite close economic ties, the US criticized India for anti-conversion laws, hate speech, and demolitions of minority faith communities’ homes. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the troubling trends in India.
The report mentioned specific incidents, including a fatal shooting of Muslims on a train and attacks on Muslims based on false allegations. The Indian government denies discriminating against minorities, citing welfare policies aimed at benefiting all citizens.
The report also highlighted violence in Manipur involving minority Christian and majority Hindu groups, with destruction of places of worship. Anti-conversion legislation in some Indian states was also referenced as a challenge to freedom of belief.