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India: Religious Freedom

Asked by Gregory StaffordConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 13 October 2025UIN 77436

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to raise concerns with the Indian authorities about the increasing use of controversial anti-apostasy laws to target (a) Christian and (b) Muslim minority communities across the country.

Answered by Seema Malhotra

The UK Government is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief globally, including in India. We are aware of concerns regarding the use of anti-conversion laws in India and their impact on religious minorities, particularly Christian and Muslim communities. Dialogue concerning this is an important aspect of the UK-India relationship. Our diplomatic network across India monitors developments closely and regularly meets with religious representatives from different faith communities.

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