Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
India’s long history of religious diversity is increasingly overshadowed by rising religious nationalism. While the country’s Constitution guarantees secularism, growing dominance of Hindu nationalist ideology has left religious minorities — including Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs — vulnerable to discrimination, violence, and exclusion. 

This surge in religious nationalism threatens not only minority communities but also India’s pluralistic identity, raising global concerns about the erosion of its democratic and secular foundations. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Since independence in 1947, India has prided itself on being a secular republic that embraces multiple faiths. However, communal tensions have periodically erupted, from partition violence to riots in subsequent decades. 

In recent years, Hindu nationalist movements have gained unprecedented influence, shaping political discourse and public policy. Laws such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and campaigns against religious conversions have intensified fears of institutionalised discrimination against minorities. 

This environment emboldens extremist groups while discouraging pluralism. 

Page 3 — Forms of Discrimination and Violence 
Rising religious nationalism in India manifests in many ways: 

- Mob violence: Attacks on Muslims and Christians under allegations of cow slaughter or forced conversions. 
- Legal discrimination: CAA and anti-conversion laws disproportionately target minorities. 
- Harassment of religious sites: Mosques, churches, and other minority places of worship vandalised. 
- Employment and housing bias: Minorities excluded from jobs and neighbourhoods. 
- Hate speech: Politicians and extremist groups spread rhetoric against minority communities. 

These patterns reinforce fear and insecurity among India’s minorities.

Page 4 — Consequences for Citizens and Society 
The rise of religious nationalism has profound consequences for minority communities. Many face displacement, social exclusion, and barriers to education and employment. Families live in fear of violence and harassment, eroding trust in the state to protect them. 

For society, intolerance weakens India’s unity and undermines democratic principles of equality and freedom. Internationally, the rise of religious nationalism has tarnished India’s global reputation, leading to criticism from human rights groups and democratic allies. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Protecting India’s pluralism requires urgent action to counter rising religious nationalism. 

Key steps include: 
- Reaffirming secularism: uphold constitutional guarantees of equality for all religions. 
- Legal accountability: repeal discriminatory laws and prosecute perpetrators of violence. 
- Community initiatives: promote interfaith dialogue and grassroots peacebuilding. 
- Media responsibility: curb hate speech and ensure balanced coverage. 
- International engagement: encourage global partners to support India’s democratic and pluralist traditions. 

Until such reforms are undertaken, rising religious nationalism will continue to endanger India’s minorities, weakening the very foundations of its democracy and social harmony.