India has about 1 billion people of which about 80% are Hindu, 14% are
Muslim, 2% are Christian, and 4% followers of other religions, or none. Until the Bharatiya Janata Party, a Hindu nationalist party, assumed power federally
between 1998 and 2004,
India was noted for its high level of religious tolerance.
Religion, nationalism and politics can be positive influences on a country if
the separation of religion and state is maintained. Integration of religion,
nationalism and politics can have a devastating effect on religious freedom.