Religion

• Hinduism is the main religion in India, practised by 79.8% of the population, followed by Islam (14.2%), and Christianity (2.3 %). Other minorities are also present in the country, such as Sikhs (1.7 %), and Buddhists (0.4 %).

• The Christian community present in India is one of the most ancient in the world, which was evangelised by Saint Thomas around AD50. They live essentially in the State of Kerala, in the south of the country.

• In the north of the country, Christians are persecuted and attacks are on the rise. They are considered to be foreigners by radical Hindus. Hindus who convert to Catholicism are put under heavy pressure to revert to their original religion. They are often attacked physically and sometimes killed.