Christians and Religious Minorities: India

Mr. Blackman highlighted the importance of religious freedom in India, noting that the constitution protects minority religions and encourages them to maintain their identities. He emphasized the diversity of India, mentioning states where minority religions form majorities, such as Christian-majority Meghalaya and Mizoram. He also pointed out the growth of Muslim population and its impact on global demographics. He raised concern over abduction and forced marriage, particularly of young women, and noted that forcing someone to change their religion after being abducted is morally wrong.

She highlighted the importance of religious freedom in India, noting that while the country has a secular constitution and political representation for minorities, there are still concerns about increasing attacks on minority groups. She urged the Minister to address issues such as anti-conversion laws and arrests under anti-cow-slaughter legislation.

Ms Bruce congratulated Jim Shannon for securing the debate and acknowledged the work of the all-party parliamentary group. She expressed concern about increasing discrimination and persecution against religious minorities in India, highlighting specific incidents such as church burnings, desecrations, and beatings by radical mobs. Ms Bruce also mentioned 505 violent incidents against Christians recorded in 2021, including false accusations leading to arbitrary detention and prosecution. She raised the issue of misuse of laws which has led to attacks on Christians, with Pastor Rakesh Babu being an example of such persecution.

The hon. Member for Bury North noted that while religious freedom is a fundamental right, minorities continue to face challenges and discrimination in India. She highlighted the importance of dialogue and understanding among different communities.

I thank the hon. Member for securing the debate. I would like to speak briefly on behalf of my constituents in Bolton North East. I have one of the largest Indian Gujarati Muslim communities in the United Kingdom—it numbers somewhere around 14,000. What are the hon. Gentleman's views on how important it is that, as we increasingly develop our bilateral relationship with India, we bring all the opportunities and things that could be better to the table in those sorts of discussions?

The hon. Gentleman talks about the close relationship between India and the UK. Does he agree that this relationship puts the UK in a unique position to be a positive force for change, encouraging and pressuring India to respect religious minorities? Ms Gibson highlighted the increasing intolerance faced by religious minorities in India under Prime Minister Modi's government, citing discriminatory policies and persecution. She noted that India was recommended for designation as a country of particular concern due to egregious religious freedom violations, with incidents such as restrictions on human rights defenders and anti-conversion laws being used against Christians. The Open Doors report ranked India as the 10th most dangerous place for Christians in 2021, noting a significant rise in persecution over recent years.

I am honoured to represent one of the largest Goan populations outside India, who are devout Catholics. I noted that the Roman Catholic church is the largest non-agricultural landowner in India and argued for distinguishing between atrocities against religious minorities and state actions.

As a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Freedom of Religion or Belief, she stands firmly behind religious freedoms for minorities in India. She condemned the persecution of Sikhs and other religious minorities in India during last year's farmers' protests and highlighted the Citizenship (Amendment) Act that excludes Muslim migrants from amnesty.

Many minority communities have played prominent roles in Indian politics and public life since the country's foundation in 1948, and that continues today. Freedom of religion is a fundamental right that must be defended and should be a high priority in our foreign policy. She expressed concern over India not getting a fair hearing in Parliament and emphasised the importance of looking at how states respond to criminal activities against minorities, highlighting India's respect for rule of law, judiciary, independent Human Rights Commission, free press and democracy. The laws regulating conversion are designed to protect individuals, particularly young Christian women, from forced conversion, marriage and religious coercion. The speaker emphasised that these laws aim to prevent vulnerable individuals from being pressured into unwanted changes of faith. Ms Villiers intervened to comment on the circulation of a divisive leaflet during the Batley and Spen by-election, which showed the UK Prime Minister alongside Mr Modi with a message targeting Hindu voters.