Human rights organizations are raising concerns about increasing persecution against Christians in India, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States. Advocates like Sean Nelson, legal counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International, characterize the situation as a "religious freedom crisis." Nelson points to systemic targeting of Christians and other religious minorities by radical Hindu nationalist groups, often resulting in violence and harassment. He urges the Indian government to address the violence and reform laws that may restrict religious freedom. Nelson also calls on President Biden and other world leaders to address the deteriorating religious freedom conditions in India and encourage the Indian government to take corrective action.

Reports of escalating Christian persecution have even reached India's Supreme Court. Last fall, the court directed eight states to investigate claims made by Christian groups in a petition seeking protection. This petition, filed by Archbishop Peter Machad, the National Solidarity Forum, and the Evangelical Fellowship of India, cited approximately 500 attacks against Christians in 2021 and roughly 200 in the first five months of 2022. The petitioners requested a government investigation and police protection for churches. However, the Indian government dismissed these claims, suggesting they were based on incomplete and biased information and driven by ulterior motives.

The petition coincided with increased attacks against Christians by far-right Hindu groups, and the passage of "anti-conversion" laws in several Indian states. While these laws aim to prevent forced religious conversions, critics argue they are being used to infringe upon religious freedom. In May, about 50 Christians, including pastors, were attacked in Chhattisgarh State amid conversion accusations by the Bajrang Dal, a radical Hindu nationalist group. Furthermore, recent large-scale religious violence in Manipur has displaced tens of thousands, exacerbating tensions between Christians and Hindus.

A human rights lawyer connected with ADF International, speaking anonymously, highlighted the targeted nature of the violence in Manipur, noting that Christian homes and churches were attacked while those of non-Christians were spared. This lawyer stressed the shock and fear within the community and emphasized the need to stop the violence, protect religious institutions, and ensure Christians can practice their faith freely. Former Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, has also condemned the ongoing persecution of Christians in India. Fox News Digital contacted the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.