In the West, we often measure persecution by the headlines—the explosions, the riots, the shootings. But in India, the enemy has changed tactics. The war on the Church is no longer just a physical assault; it is a bureaucratic, legal, and suffocating “squeeze.”
According to the Bible Access List 2025, data confirms what our field partners have known for months: India is becoming a fortress against the Gospel. The ideology of Hindutva—the belief that being Indian means being Hindu—is being weaponized by the state to diminish and slowly extinguish the Church.
In 2026, the question is no longer if persecution will happen, but how we will prepare the Body to withstand it.
Uttar Pradesh: The Epicenter of Lawfare
If you want to see the future of persecution in India, look at Uttar Pradesh (UP). In 2025 alone, 211 incidents of severe persecution were recorded in this single state
The strategy here is “lawfare”—using the legal system to dismantle the Church. Radical groups, emboldened by state support, are filling the jails with our brothers and sisters. Currently, around 70 Christians remain in prison, their bail petitions stalled in a slow-moving court system.
But the threat isn’t just from the government. The insidious poison of casteism has seeped into the sanctuary, creating internal divisions that weaken the Body.
“We are fighting on two fronts,” says a Frontlines partner in the region. “Outside, the state uses the law to crush us. Inside, caste tries to divide us.”
Pray for the state of Uttar Pradesh:
- For the prisoners: Pray for the 70 believers currently held behind bars. Ask God to move the hearts of judges to grant bail and for their families to stand strong in faith at this time.
- For the upcoming 2027 elections: As one of the largest legislative assembly elections approaches—contesting 403 seats—please pray that this does not become a mandate for further violence against Christians.
- For a spirit of unity: Pray against the spirit of casteism that is impacting churches in North India. Pray that the Church would stand together and that the love of Jesus would diminish barriers of social hierarchy.
Punjab: Revival and Resistance
In Punjab, the story is one of explosive growth and violent pushback. The Church here is rapidly expanding, and this “movement” has caught the radical groups by surprise. In retaliation, 21 severe incidents were recorded last year.
Unlike the legal squeeze in UP, the persecution here is violent. Sikh radical groups have launched brutal attacks on churches, disrupting services and spreading misinformation about “forceful conversions” to incite mob violence.
Yet, the Church stands as the only hope against a different kind of enemy: a devastating drug epidemic sweeping over the society. While radicals attack the Church, the Church is being a light in the darkness by ministering to the youth.
“They attack us with sticks, and we answer with salvation,” a youth leader in Punjab reflects. “But pray for our daughters. In this climate of hate, abduction and rape have become weapons of war.”
Pray for the state of Punjab:
- For the youth: Pray for protection against the dual threats of drug addiction and targeted violence against young girls.
- For truth: Pray against the misinformation campaigns designed to paint compassionate outreach as “forceful conversion.”
- For resilience: Pray that Punjabi Christians would be able to show forgiveness and mercy towards their oppressors. Pray for the youth, especially that they do not retaliate with violence when threatened.
Madhya Pradesh: The Voice of Hate
In the heart of India, the atmosphere against Christians can be toxic. Madhya Pradesh saw 39 brutal, violent attacks in 2025. The spike in violence correlates directly with the new amendment to the anti-conversion law, which has emboldened mobs to act as vigilante police.
The flames are being fanned by several radical leaders whose hate speeches and media reach act as a match in a powder keg. Seven pastors currently languish in jail here, denied bail and stripped of their dignity.
“Don’t ask for it to be easier,” our field partners remind us. “Ask for us to be stronger. We only need your prayers.”
Pray for the state of Madhya Pradesh:
- For the imprisoned pastors: Pray for the immediate release of the seven pastors and leaders and for favorable court judgments in the mounting false cases.
- For safety: Pray for the believers who have been physically beaten and injured. Pray for their healing and that their scars would serve as a testimony of their faithfulness.
Rajasthan: The Dark Zone
To the west, Rajasthan has become a “dark zone” for the Gospel. After the BJP government successfully implemented the Anti-Conversion Bill in 2025, persecution cases spiked to 55 recorded incidents almost overnight. In districts like Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Barmer, the Gospel is effectively banned. House churches have been completely closed, silenced by the intense pressure of the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) and Hindu fundamentalists. The state is watchful of every movement.
“We are under surveillance,” a missionary whispers. “The police know when we wake up and when we pray. But I believe that they cannot overpower the Holy Spirit.”
Pray for the state of Rajasthan:
- For those who are silenced: Pray for the house churches that have been forced to close. Pray that homes would become altars of secret worship and that the spirit of the Lord would lead many to come to know Jesus as their saviour.
- For wisdom: Pray for evangelists and pastors operating under the watchful eye of the LIU. Pray that they will find nourishment from the word of God in difficult times and that the roots of their faith would grow deep.
A Call to the Western Church
India is not just a mission field; it is a mirror. It shows us what happens when faith costs everything. The believers in India are not asking for an escape; they are asking for your prayers.
As Frontlines International, we stand with these brothers and sisters. We deliver hope by making Bibles and other resources available to them, helping them survive these difficult, faith-testing times, and by praying for them.
Will you stand with India? Join us in our 40-day prayer campaign as we Stand with Them in prayer at this time.
