ECPM is deeply concerned for the safety of Indian Christians following the announced planned attack by Hindu extremists. We fully support the letter by MEPs Bert-Jan Ruissen and Miriam Lexmann urging the European Commission to address religious freedom in India and call for the protection of Indian Christian.

The letter came following recent calls by Hindu extremist leaders to kill and rape Christians en masse on March 1, 2025, in several villages in Chhattisgarh. Hindu extremist influencer Aadesh Soni has urged his followers to rally at least 50,000 people for the planned attack, calling for the execution of Christian leaders and the complete eradication of Christianity from the region. Aadesh Soni has claimed government support for his plans.

Similarly, Hindu leader Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has called for the killing of Christians. Both accuse Christians of killing cows, an animal holy in Hinduism, and are using this accusation to justify mass violence.

Religious minorities in India, particularly Christians and Muslims, are increasingly under threat. Hindu extremism has been on the rise for several years, leading to a growing number of attacks and threats against these communities.

The European Commission is currently in India (February 27-28) to meet President Modi and other authorities. During these meetings, we urge the Commissioners, in particular President Ursula von der Leyen, to address religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities, especially Indian Christians. The Commission must pressure the Indian authorities to prevent the planned March 1 attack and to combat the rise of Hindu extremism.

The European Union is founded on human rights and has a responsibility to uphold its fundamental values of human dignity not only within the Union but also throughout its partnerships. The European Commission cannot ignore the increasing violence by extremists against religious minorities and the worsening state of religious freedom in India.

The European Commission must pressure the Indian authorities to take action to stop violence against Christians!

Read here the letter by MEPs Bert-Jan Ruissen and Miriam Lexmann to the European Commission.