“The reason for the persecution in India is usually the growth of the churches and the associated change in society. People from the lower castes suddenly see themselves as valuable, and they want a better education and thus jeopardize the status of the higher castes,” an ICR worker said.

More than 50% of documented persecution cases in the first half of 2025 happened in two northern Indian states: Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Radical Hinduism is strong in these states, and Hindu activists are well-organized. In fact, those following Hindutva ideology not only want to make India a purely Hindu society, but they aim for Nepal and Sri Lanka, also.