Targeted Violence Against Christians in India During Christmas 2025
The Christmas season of 2025 saw a marked escalation in intimidation and violence against Christians across India, with incidents reported in multiple states in the weeks leading up to December 25. These acts were commonly justified through allegations of “forced religious conversion” of Hindus, despite a lack of evidence. Incidents targeted ordinary religious worship and public expression.
The incidents documented in this report reveal consistent interference with religious worship, the criminalization of Christian visibility in public space, and acts of mob violence carried out with little or no deterrence. These trends reflect a broader environment shaped by rising Hindu majoritarianism, the misuse of anti-conversion laws, and the repeated involvement of extremist groups. State responses were frequently inadequate, marked by police inaction and administrative obstruction.
This report presents evidence intended to inform policy action and accountability measures aimed at protecting religious freedom and minority rights in India.
HCT Feb 2026
