Fact Check: Forced conversions are common in India

Fact-Check: "Forced conversions are common in India"

What We Know

The claim that "forced conversions are common in India" is supported by various reports and studies highlighting the challenges faced by religious minorities, particularly Christians, in the country. According to the 2025 USCIRF Annual Report, there have been significant attempts by state governments to introduce or strengthen anti-conversion laws, with 12 out of 28 states having such laws in place. These laws are often criticized for being used to harass religious minorities rather than to protect against coercive conversions.

The International Religious Freedom Reports by the State Department noted an increase in accusations from Hindu groups against Christians regarding forced conversions, often accompanied by incidents of violence. Reports indicate that some converts to Christianity face threats and pressure from their families to renounce their new faith, which suggests that societal pressures contribute to the perception of forced conversions.

Furthermore, the Human Rights Watch has documented how these anti-conversion laws can be misused to target religious minorities, suggesting that the legal framework in place may not effectively prevent forced conversions but rather facilitate discrimination against those who convert.

Analysis

While there is evidence suggesting that forced conversions occur in India, the term "common" requires careful consideration. The reports indicate a troubling environment for religious minorities, particularly Christians, who face societal and familial pressures. However, the evidence does not uniformly support the idea that forced conversions are widespread or systematic across the country.

The ECLJ report argues that anti-conversion laws are often vague and can be used to intimidate rather than protect, which complicates the narrative around forced conversions. These laws may create an environment where the fear of legal repercussions leads to self-censorship among minority religious groups, rather than a clear indication of widespread forced conversions.

Additionally, while incidents of violence and coercion have been reported, the actual number of documented forced conversions remains unclear. The Open Doors report highlights that while there are legal frameworks in place, the enforcement and implications of these laws can vary significantly by region, leading to a patchwork of experiences for religious minorities.

The sources used in this analysis include government reports, human rights organizations, and academic studies, which generally have a high level of credibility. However, it is essential to recognize potential biases, particularly from organizations advocating for specific religious groups, which may influence the framing of the data.

Conclusion

The claim that "forced conversions are common in India" is Partially True. There is substantial evidence that forced conversions do occur, particularly against the backdrop of societal pressures and legal frameworks that may facilitate discrimination. However, the extent to which these conversions are "common" is not uniformly supported by data, as the experiences of religious minorities can vary widely across different regions and communities within India. The legal and social environment presents significant challenges, but the claim lacks a comprehensive basis to assert that forced conversions are a widespread phenomenon.

Fact Check: Forced conversions are common in India