India (MNN) — The 2025 World Watch List with Open Doors USA was released yesterday. It rates the top 50 countries around the world where it is most difficult to be a Christian. The World Watch List is different from Global Christian Relief’s Red List, which lists 25 of the most severe nations across five separate categories for Christian persecution.
On the newly released World Watch List, many were watching India in particular to see how it would rank. For the second year in a row, India remains in 11th place, hovering just outside the top 10.
(Photo courtesy of Mission India)
Regan Miller with Mission India offers some perspective: “The fact that it stayed the same probably just means that the other countries have remained worse, which is tragic, but it doesn’t mean that India is doing a whole lot better.”
For example, “There are a handful of states in India that have what is called anti-conversion laws. The laws vary slightly by state. But in general, they require that if you are going to change religions, you or the person leading you to the other religion gives official notice,” explains Miller.
“If…they find out that you’ve changed religions without giving official notice, then you or the person leading you to a new faith can be fined or given prison time.”
Persecution from Family and Community
Christian persecution in India also takes place on a family and community level. Tribal Christians in Manipur state are still targeted and attacked for their faith.
Miller shares a story that illustrates what often happens when a family member converts to Christianity.
In November, one of Mission India’s adult literacy teachers met a young couple and began sharing the Gospel with them. The man, Bulesh, was raised by his mother in an animist background. But eventually, Bulesh and his wife chose to follow Jesus.
“The very next morning, Bulesh’s mom and two other women from the village chased Bulesh and his family out of their home,” says Miller.
(Photo courtesy of Mission India)
“The couple, thankfully, was able to find refuge at the home of a local Christian. Church members have been supporting them and giving them food and helping meet their daily needs. But what a difficult thing to see that you could have your own mom chase you away the very next day because you received Christ.”
Prayer Resources
So what can you do with the 2025 World Watch List? Pray through it.
Mission India has resources to inform your prayers for India, specifically! Connect at their website here.
Miller says, “You can sign up for the daily prayer prompt, and we will send you a daily email every morning with a really simple prayer with something that you can pray for about a specific person in India who is involved in our ministry.”
Ask God to give persecuted Indian believers wisdom as they navigate challenging circumstances because of their faith. Pray for their ability to offer forgiveness and grace, and to show the love of Christ.
Header photo courtesy of Mission India.
