Chicago – April 10, 2025
This is a critical situation, and we must take every possible step to stop the violence. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, his government has pursued a hardline Hindu nationalist agenda, which has had devastating effects—particularly on journalists, religious minorities, and human rights defenders. In India, millions of Muslims and Christians face daily violations of their most basic rights, said Mr.Pierre Larrouturou.
Given the seriousness of the situation, the European Parliament must adopt a firm and unambiguous resolution tomorrow. It must clearly condemn Prime Minister Modi’s nationalist rhetoric. Our joint resolution sends a strong message: we are urging India to take all necessary actions to end religious and ethnic violence, bring those responsible to justice, and curb Hindu extremism.
Without strong and verifiable commitments from India in this area, discussions about a new trade agreement cannot move forward. India is a key partner for the European Union, but if we, as a Christian-majority community, respect other faiths and identities, we expect the same from our partners.
“I recommend an immediate visit by the EU Special Envoy for Religious Freedom to India. How the Indian government responds to this proposal will reveal whether they are genuinely powerless in such situations or are knowingly allowing the persecution of religious minorities by extremist groups”, said Mr. Elchich in the EU Parliment .
Political leaders must avoid inflammatory remarks, act as neutral mediators in times of tension, and reject all forms of nationalistic rhetoric. Today, we must send a strong and unified message: the EU has significant influence through trade policy, and we insist that human rights be at the core of our partnership with India.
Indian officials often claim the country is the world’s largest democracy, yet the rising intolerance and violence against religious minorities tell a different story. These attacks on Christians are not random they are coordinated, leaving behind destruction and trauma. The EU cannot turn a blind eye to such crimes.
