A report by India Hate Lab revealed a 75% increase in hate speech against religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, in India during 2024.
The incidents rose from 668 in 2023 to 1,165 in 2024, with around 80% occurring in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The report linked this surge to the ideological agenda of the ruling party and the Hindu nationalist movement, which frequently portrayed Muslims and Christians as outsiders and threats to Hindus.
The rise in hate speech coincided with the 2024 national elections, where inflammatory rhetoric against minorities became more common. In New Delhi, heightened tensions forced many Muslims to relocate to Muslim-majority neighborhoods with limited infrastructure and economic opportunities.
International attention followed, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing concern over the increasing hate speech and its impact on religious freedoms in India.