India
While India is a multiparty democracy, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has presided over discriminatory policies and increased violence affecting the Muslim population. The constitution guarantees civil liberties including freedom of expression and freedom of religion, but harassment of journalists, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and other government critics has increased significantly under Modi. Muslims, scheduled castes (Dalits), and scheduled tribes (Adivasis) remain economically and socially marginalized.
Freedom in the World — India Country Report
India is rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2021, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.
Countries in the Spotlight
Freedom in the World's Countries in the Spotlight features countries that experienced important developments in 2019 that affected their democratic trajectory, and deserve special scrutiny in 2020. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discriminatory actions against Muslims, and a fierce crackdown on protesters opposing the changes, indicated a deterioration of basic freedoms in the world’s largest democracy. View the full report to learn about the other Countries in the Spotlight.
Freedom on the Net — India Country Report
India is rated Partly Free in Freedom on the Net, Freedom House's comprehensive study of internet freedom around the globe.
News & Perspectives:
NEW REPORT: Global Battle over Internet Regulation Has Major Implications for Human Rights
Press release
September 21, 2021
NEW REPORT: Democracy under Lockdown - The Impact of COVID-19 on Global Freedom
Press release
October 2, 2020
