India (MNN) — The recent elections in India have allowed the ruling Hindu nationalist party to regain its power after facing setbacks in 2024, raising concerns for religious minorities across the nation.
Two years prior, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lost its national majority and had to partner with other groups to form a coalition known as the National Democratic Alliance.
However, on May 4, 2026, the BJP achieved a historic win in West Bengal State, now holding power in 18 of India’s 28 states—21 when including its coalition partners.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at an event in New Delhi on September 17, 2021.
(Wikimedia Commons)
Duane Friesen from Voice of the Martyrs, Canada, expresses concern over the BJP’s expanding influence and its potential impact on the Christian community in India.
“If the Hindu nationalists continue to gain power, will this affect the legal status of Christians? Will equal rights become even more compromised? These are valid worries,” says Friesen.
“The stronger Modi’s influence grows, the more it appears that Hindu nationalism puts Christians at odds.”
In the last 12 years under Modi’s leadership, anti-conversion laws have increased, pressuring Christians significantly. Since 2017, nine states have enacted laws that restrict religious conversions, often leading to imprisonment for Christians accused of converting others through their activities.
Other challenges arise from living in a predominantly Hindu society. Recently, Friesen learned of believers who were denied the right to bury their deceased due to community opposition—an increasingly common scenario in India.
Friesen believes that Christians must prepare for further complications but emphasizes that their mission to spread the gospel is not deterred by political issues.
(Photo courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs Canada)
“India has 1.4 billion people, presenting a vast opportunity for the gospel,” he states. “We need to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters there, that, despite their challenges, they can still reach others with the message of Jesus Christ.”
Let us pray for strength, courage, and joy for believers in India.
“Wherever there is opposition, there can be chances for growth. They are determined to stay faithful to their calling. Let’s support them in prayer,” Friesen adds.
Header photo courtesy of Tom Chen via Unsplash.
