In the spring of 2024, the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) and ReThink Media conducted a survey of 950 Indian American Muslims to assess their perceptions of Hindu nationalism and its impact on their lives in the United States. The findings of this survey provide a stark illustration of the growing influence of Hindu nationalism within the Indian diaspora and its detrimental effects on social cohesion, professional relationships, and individual well-being.

Key Findings:

• Widespread discrimination and exclusion: A significant majority of respondents reported experiencing harassment, discrimination, or prejudice from Hindu friends or social contacts over the past decade. Discrimination was also prominent in professional settings, with a majority of respondents experiencing biased treatment from Hindu colleagues.
• Social division and erosion of trust: The rise of Hindu nationalism has caused a noticeable deterioration in relationships between Indian American Muslims and Hindus in the U.S. Many respondents expressed feelings of mistrust and social isolation, noting that they no longer feel included in Indian American cultural and social events. This exclusion has worsened since the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India, with a whopping 80% of respondents stating they feel less comfortable in Indian American spaces.
• Impact of social media: Digital platforms have become hotspots for discrimination, with 48% of respondents reporting harassment on social media, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn. Respondents described these experiences as emotionally exhausting, contributing to feelings of isolation and hostility.
• Mental and emotional toll: The cumulative impact of discrimination has taken a significant toll on the mental and emotional well-being of Indian American Muslims. Respondents reported feelings of isolation, fear, and emotional fatigue, with particular concern for how this hostile environment affects younger generations.
• Threat to democracy and religious minorities: An overwhelming 94% of respondents strongly agreed that Hindu nationalism poses a threat to religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, in both India and the U.S. Additionally, 86% of respondents see Hindu nationalism as a threat to democracy in the United States, with concerns about the infiltration of Hindu nationalist ideology into U.S. politics and academia.