Christmas diplomacy' between Modi and the Christian community in India

In 2014 - when the current prime minister was first elected - there were 147 incidents of violence against Christians in India. Also due to the 'anti-conversion laws' of 2021, there were 687 cases of attacks and indiscriminate arrests of Christians - from January to November 2023. The Christmas meeting and the premier's words are a first step towards the hope of a distinction in relations, especially in the northern states

New Delhi (AsiaNews) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a representation of the Christian community in his official residence in New Delhi on Christmas Day, for the first time since he took office in 2014, welcoming the proposal of the Indian Minority Foundation to celebrate the holiday together.

Prominent personalities from the Christian community from across the country were present at the meeting, including Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Metropolitan Archbishop of Mumbai, Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, Metropolitan Archbishop of Delhi, Thomas Mar Anthonios Valiyavilayil, Orthodox Bishop of St. John Chrysostom of Gurgaon; the second secretary of the Holy See embassy, Kevin J. Kimtis; the Reverend Paul Swarup, bishop of the Anglican diocese of Delhi; John Varghese, principal of St. Stephen's College and other representatives of civil society.

Modi highlighted the similarity of values between different faiths in India, citing the example of the Bible which emphasizes virtue in service to others. “In the Holy Bible - added Modi - great importance is given to the truth and it is said that only the truth will show us the way to salvation”, underlining the correlation between the Christian sacred text and the sacred Hindu Upanishads which focus on the knowledge of the truth last to free us.

Modi went on to say that he moves forward by focusing on shared values and heritage. “For modern India in the 21st century, this cooperation and spirit of 'Sabka Prayas' (everyone's efforts) will take the country to new heights.”

A harmony that has not existed since Prime Minister Modi took office in 2014: that year 147 incidents of violence and arrests against Christians were reported, but since then the cases have increased steadily with 177 in 2015, 208 in 2016, 240 in 2017, 292 in 2018, 328 in 2019, 279 in 2020, 505 in 2021, 599 in 2022 and 687 in November 2023.

Despite the increase in violence towards Christians, following the introduction of the anti-conversion laws, Modi recalled how his meeting with Pope Francis in 2021 had deeply affected him. For the occasion, he cited one of the pontiff's Christmas messages from previous years, in which he asked for Christ's blessings on those struggling to put an end to poverty. “This resonates with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas” (everyone's help, everyone's growth, everyone's confidence and everyone's efforts), Modi said.

Cardinal Gracias thanked the prime minister for his presence and also noted that the day marks the birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. For this reason he spoke of his passion for good governance, drawing an analogy with the teachings of Jesus Christ on working for the development and progress of others.

Finally, Monsignor Anil Couto, thanking Modi for having organized the Christmas celebrations in his residence, underlined the significance that this gesture made the holiday not only a celebration of the Christian community but a national holiday. Amplifying the message of peace, love and unity, he hoped for the well-being of all citizens of the country.