By Gigi Kotze
06/03/2025
India is a vast and diverse country, occupying most of South Asia. It has 28 states and eight union territories, with New Delhi as its capital. India became the world’s most populous country in 2023, surpassing China, with a population of over 1.4 billion. It is home to thousands of ethnic groups and hundreds of languages, making it one of the most diverse nations on earth.
India has been shaped by Hinduism, which dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. Over the centuries, Buddhism, Jainism, and later Islam have also influenced its religious landscape. However, today, Hinduism remains dominant, with about 80% of the population following its practices, while Christianity represents a small minority. According to the Joshua Project, only 2.22% of Indians are Christian, making it one of the most unreached nations in the world.
From a Christian perspective, India is one of the most strategic countries for the Gospel. With millions who have never heard about Jesus, a fast-growing economy, and increasing global influence, it presents both a great opportunity and a challenge for mission work.
Here are 7 key reasons why we feel India is considered a Hotspot nation:
1. India is the most unreached nation with the Gospel
India has more unreached people groups than any other country on earth. Out of 2,272 people groups, a staggering 2,041 remain unreached. In total, 95.3% of India’s population belongs to unreached people groups. That means that these people groups have 5% or fewer Christian adherents and 2% or fewer Evangelicals.
These are not just statistics—they represent real people, families, and entire communities, many of whom have never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel explained in an understandable way. Many of us have had the privilege of hearing the Gospel multiple times in our lives. But imagine living and dying without ever knowing the hope, love, and salvation found in Christ.
The diversity of languages, cultures, and religious beliefs makes sharing the gospel in India complex. India’s vast diversity of languages, cultures, and religious beliefs makes sharing the Gospel especially challenging. The country is home to countless castes and tribes, with more than a dozen major languages and hundreds of smaller ones—many of which are completely unrelated. But this also means that the need is greater than ever. With over 1.4 billion people, India is not just a mission field—it is one of the most urgent mission fields in the world.
While writing this article, we spoke to a friend who travels to India to train others and has a heart for the Hindu world. He shared that India is the epicentre of Hinduism, with no other country having such vast numbers. He explained that Hinduism remains a spiritual stronghold over India, despite the Gospel reaching the country nearly 2,000 years ago when the Apostle Thomas first arrived. While there are many churches and organisations, the need remains enormous.
He also emphasised that to reach the Hindu world, India must be reached. Lastly, he pointed out the sheer size of India’s population, which is greater than that of the entire African continent—making India a key location for reaching a large part of the world’s people.
Our hearts should break for those who are still waiting to hear the Good News. This is why prayer, mission work, and support for believers in India must be a priority for the Global Church. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37).
As the global Body of Christ, longing for the return of Jesus when every nation, tribe, and tongue has heard the Gospel, will we answer this urgent call? Will we be willing to go, pray, send, and support those taking the Good News to India? Will our hearts burn for the lost, like Isaiah, and say: “Here I am, Lord. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
2. India’s Growing Economy and Global Influence
India is among the fastest-growing economies in the world and currently holds the fifth-largest GDP, according to Worldometer. As its economy expands, so does its influence in trade, technology, and global markets. This growth is opening new doors—not only for business but also for the spread of the Gospel.
India’s global partnerships are strengthening. In February 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Donald Trump to discuss increasing American oil and gas exports as part of a broader trade agreement. At the same time, the UK is actively negotiating a free-trade deal with India, hoping to boost its struggling economy.
Beyond the US and UK, India is also a key member of international groups such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and the G20, playing a major role in shaping global economic policies.
However, economic growth brings both opportunities and challenges. While some are lifted out of poverty, many still struggle, and spiritual needs remain high. Urbanisation and globalisation are changing people’s worldviews, making many more open to new ideas—including the Gospel.
As India rises on the world stage, its influence spreads to other nations, making it a crucial place for Christian engagement. Many Indians travel abroad for work or education, moving to countries where they have greater access to the Gospel. We must pray that God will use these global connections to bring more Indians to faith—whether in their own country or through opportunities overseas.
3. India and China: Economic Ties and Political Tensions
India and China are important trading partners, but their relationship remains tense due to border disputes, economic rivalry, and differing political views. The two nations have had a long-standing border dispute because the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is not clearly marked. This conflict dates back to the 1962 Sino-Indian War and has led to clashes, such as the one in Galwan Valley in 2020. This area is important as it leads to Aksai Chin, which India claims but China controls. While a recent border agreement between the two countries aims to ease tensions, the main issues remain unresolved.
India plays a key role in Asia, so changes in the country can significantly impact neighbouring regions, including China. The ongoing border tensions affect communities living near the border and influence security in the region. Churches near the India-China border face challenges like security risks, limited freedom, and isolation due to difficult terrain and local hostility.
Despite these difficulties, such struggles provide an opportunity for the Gospel. Christians can show love and peace in a disputed area, offering a message of hope and reconciliation. The border tensions also make these regions less reached by the Gospel, creating opportunities for Christians to build relationships, offer help, and share their faith.
Global attention on the situation may also bring support from international organisations, potentially opening doors to share the message of Christ. Christian work in these areas requires a careful approach and wisdom.
While India’s focus has shifted from security concerns to economic ties with China, tensions with Pakistan remain despite a 2021 ceasefire.
4. India-Pakistan Conflict: More Than Just a Border Issue
British rule in India began in 1858, leading to political and economic unity across the subcontinent. However, following the Indian Independence Movement, British rule ended in August 1947, which is now celebrated as Independence Day. After independence, the subcontinent was divided along religious lines into two countries—India, with a majority of Hindus, and Pakistan, with a majority of Muslims. Later, Pakistan’s eastern region separated to form Bangladesh.
Since 1947, India and Pakistan have had ongoing tensions, affecting their security, politics, and even sports. For example, in the 2025 Champions Trophy, India and Pakistan faced off in Dubai, as India refused to play in Pakistan, citing security risks.
Christians in both India and Pakistan face unique challenges, but this also presents an opportunity for Christian Pakistanis and Indians to demonstrate love to their neighbours despite the history of conflict. They are in a unique position to minister to one another. We must pray that the Lord will use this situation for His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom in both nations, which remain largely unreached by the Gospel of Jesus.
5. India’s Influence in Nepal and Bhutan: Two More Unreached Nations
India plays a crucial role in the neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bhutan, both of which have very few Christians. Being landlocked and located between India and China, they rely heavily on India for trade and influence. While Nepal has seen some church growth, with only 1.43% of its population identifying as Christian, Bhutan remains one of the most closed nations, with only 0.25% Christians and 99.7% of the population unreached.
Both nations share similar dominant religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, making India’s mission work especially impactful. Christians in India, who understand these religions well, can share powerful testimonies that resonate with people in Nepal and Bhutan, opening doors for the Good News of Jesus.
Our friend also shared that one of the key things they are working on is helping the Church in India recognise the access they have to Nepal and Bhutan. It is much easier for them to reach these nations than it is for people from the Western world. However, the vision for this is not yet strong, which is why he is actively promoting it in his work.
He emphasised that the Church in India needs to shift from only receiving to also giving and sending. Instead of relying on missionaries and financial support from the West, they have a great opportunity to rise up, send their own missionaries, and take the Gospel beyond their borders.
6. The Rise of the BJP and Christian Persecution
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promotes Hindu nationalism, making life increasingly difficult for Christians in India. Anti-conversion laws in 12 states restrict evangelism, while attacks on churches and Christian leaders continue to rise. Despite this persecution, the Church continues to grow, and believers urgently need prayer and support.
According to Open Doors, India ranks 11th on their World Watch List for Christian persecution. Hindu extremists see Christians as outsiders and aim to eliminate Christianity and Islam from India, often through violence. This hostility is driven by Hindutva—a nationalist belief that all Indians should be Hindu, and that no other faith will be tolerated. As a result, many believers—especially those in house Churches—face the constant risk of mob attacks. In regions where authorities support Hindu extremism, perpetrators often go unpunished, leaving Christians vulnerable.
Our friend also shared that persecution in India is undeniably increasing. In the past, the Church could hold large open-air meetings and crusades, but today, that would be too dangerous as anti-Christian sentiment grows and Hindu nationalism strengthens. The government is working hard to stir up patriotism, and in Delhi, huge Indian flags can be seen everywhere. They promote the idea that a “true Indian” is a Hindu, making it harder for minority religions like Christianity and Islam.
On top of this, getting funds into the country for ministry work is becoming increasingly difficult, as the government tightens its control over the banking system and closely monitors non-profits and NGOs.
Despite these challenges, God is at work. The persecuted Church is growing, and believers are standing firm in their faith. Now, more than ever, they need the global Body of Christ to pray for them, support them, and stand with them.
7. God is on the Move!
Despite many challenges, God is moving powerfully in India. Local believers are boldly sharing their faith, even in the face of persecution and opposition. Mission organisations and Churches are actively involved in Church planting, Bible translation, and community work, bringing the Gospel to those who have never heard it.
INcontext partners with several individuals in India that are on the front lines—reaching the lost, making disciples, and being a light in the darkness for the Glory of God. There is a deep spiritual hunger, and despite the strong presence of idol worship, many are turning to Christ.
The Bible reminds us that idols are lifeless and cannot save: “They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see… Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them” (Psalm 115:5-8). Yet, in the midst of this, people are encountering the living God, and lives are being transformed.
Our friend asked us to pray for the following:
- Pray that the local Church will lift up their eyes and see that the harvest field is ripe for the reaping—developing a heart for the nations and not just their own country.
- Pray for a new generation of Christian leaders to rise up with fresh vision and wisdom, leading in new and strategic ways.
- Pray for boldness for believers to stand firm and speak the truth, even in times of persecution and suffering.
If you feel led to partner with those serving on the front lines in India, please reach out to Gustav at gustav@incontextinternational.org
References:
https://www.britannica.com/place/India
https://joshuaproject.net/countries/in
https://www.ft.com/content/e029e3aa-120f-49d6-951f-ad51e7a1a533
https://www.worldometers.info/gdp/gdp-by-country/#google_vignette
https://www.opendoors.org.za/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/india/
https://web.archive.org/web/20150710060101/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124578881101543463
https://www.stimson.org/2024/india-china-disengagement-bilateral-and-regional-implications/
https://apnews.com/article/india-pakistan-cricket-champions-trophy-864479d76abe8d3d1a5534d1c6da0079
