Mohammadzaidmansoori at 02:41, 22 March 2026

2026-03-22T02:41:01Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2013}}
'''Ethnic relations in India''' have historically been complex. It refers to attitudes and behaviours toward peoples of other [[ethnicity|ethnicities]] or [[Race (human categorization)|races]]. India is ethnically diverse, with more than 2,000 different ethnic groups.<ref>{{cite web|title=Background Note: India |author=US Department of State |date=17 April 2012 |url=https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3454.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618165336/http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3454.htm |archive-date=18 June 2012}}</ref> There is also significant diversity within regions, and almost every [[States and union territories of India|state]] and several [[List of districts in India|districts]] has its own distinct mixture of ethnicities, traditions, and culture. Throughout the history of India, ethnic relations have been both positive (as with mutual cultural influences) and negative (as with [[discrimination]] against other ethnicities).

==Public attitudes==

Usually, people in different regions respect each other's cultures and traditions. According to local sources, [[unity in diversity]] has been growing in India, making the country more tolerant.<ref>{{cite news|title=Unity in diversity is basis for India|url= https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/ldquoUnity-in-diversity-is-basis-for-Indiardquo/article15958467.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 January 2010|location=[[Dindigul]], India}}</ref>

In 2013, [[World Values Survey]] reported 43.5% of Indians responded that they would prefer not to have neighbors of a different race.<ref>{{Cite web|title=WVS Database (2005-2009, Question V35)|url=http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSOnline.jsp?WAVE=5|access-date=2020-11-26|website=World Values Survey}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=15 May 2013|title=A fascinating map of the world's most and least racially tolerant countries|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2013/05/15/a-fascinating-map-of-the-worlds-most-and-least-racially-tolerant-countries/|access-date=2020-11-26|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> The most recent survey, however, in 2016, conducted by the World Values Survey, found that 25.6% of the people living in India would not want a person of a different race to be their neighbour.<ref>[http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSDocumentationWV6.jsp World Values Survey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908124210/http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSDocumentationWV6.jsp |date=2019-09-08 }}, CERRSE, Jain University on behalf of Institute for Comparative Survey Research, Table V37</ref>

== Ethnic discrimination among Indian groups ==

===Racism against North-East Indians in other states of India===
In recent years discrimination against people from [[North-East India]] has been reported. In 2007, the ''North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESC&H)'' was started as a separate wing of All India Christian Council. Its stated goal is to increase awareness regarding prejudice and attacks against people from North-East India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nehelpline.net/?page_id=193|title=About NE Support Centre & Helpline|date=5 January 2011|publisher=North East Support Centre & Helpline|access-date=14 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016110755/http://nehelpline.net/?page_id=193|archive-date=16 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Many North-Eastern Indians face discrimination; are refused living accommodations when they travel to urban areas to study;<ref>{{cite news|title=Delhi won't lend a home to students from northeast|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Delhi-won-t-lend-a-home-to-students-from-northeast/Article1-1105466.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809065540/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Delhi-won-t-lend-a-home-to-students-from-northeast/Article1-1105466.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 August 2013|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=9 August 2013|location=New Delhi, India}}</ref> and are subjected to racial slurs<ref>{{cite news|title=Students from North East tired of discrimination|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/students-from-north-east-tired-of-discrimination-10607|access-date=14 August 2013|newspaper=NDTV|date=26 October 2009|location=New Delhi, India}}</ref> in reference to the appearance of their eyes. A spokesman for the NESC&H has stated that abuse and harassment of North-Easterners is increasing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaedunews.net/in-focus/June_2009/Northeast_students_question_%27racism%27_in_India_8316|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625063342/http://indiaedunews.net/In-Focus/June_2009/Northeast_students_question_%27racism%27_in_India_8316/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=25 June 2009|title=Northeast students question 'racism' in India|date=6 June 2009|publisher=India edunews|access-date=13 August 2013}}</ref> Instances of [[Discrimination and sexual violence against Northeastern Indians]] have also been documented, particularly against women migrating to metropolitan areas.

===Racism in Assam and other North-Eastern States===
In Assam India, there have been many attacks on those from outside the region. In 2007, thousands of [[Hindi]]-speaking labourers fled from Assam after a series of massacres and bomb attacks. In May 2007, nine of them were killed and another 20 injured in violent attacks.<ref>Subir Bhaumik (23 May 2007). "[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6683767.stm Persecution of Assam's Hindi speakers]". BBC</ref> The next month, 26 people from other parts of India were killed in a series of attacks over a period of six days. The police blamed [[United Liberation Front of Assam]] (ULFA) and the [[Karbi Longri N.C. Hills Liberation Front|Karbi Longri National Liberation Front]] for the violence.<ref>[[Wasbir Hussain]] (12 August 2007). "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/11/AR2007081100464_pf.html 30 Killed in Northeast Violence in India]". Washington Post.</ref> In response, the members of Purvottar Hindustani Sammelan (PHS) staged a [[hunger strike]] in [[Dispur]] to protest against the "merciless killings of innocent and defenceless Hindi-speaking people."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140611044217/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1321800621.html Hindustani Sammelan stages fast-unto-death]". Hindustan Times. 17 August 2007.</ref> Overall, 98 non-locals were killed in Assam during 2007.<ref>"[http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/assam/data_sheets/militenetattack.htm Militant Attacks on Non-Locals in Assam]". SATP. Retrieved 4 February 2014.</ref>

In March and April 2008, a banned [[Meitei people|Meitei]] outfit killed 16 non-locals in Manipur.<ref>"[http://www.upi.com/Emerging_Threats/2008/04/18/Manipur-rebels-kill-Hindi-speakers/UPI-20441208560399/#ixzz2sIa9ZyjG Manipur rebels kill Hindi speakers]". UPI. 18 June 2008.</ref> PHS alleged that anti-social groups in Assam were carrying out a continuous hate campaign against the Hindi speakers in the region.<ref>"[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-allegation-of-harrassment-of-hindi-speaking-people-1171553 Allegation of harassment of Hindi-speaking people]". DNA. 16 June 2008.</ref>

In May 2009, nine Hindi speakers were killed in Assam and Manipur, after the attackers set around 70 houses on fire.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20140313013833/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nine-hindi-speaking-people-among-12-killed-in-northeast/article1-409905.aspx Nine Hindi-speaking people among 12 killed in Northeast]". Hindustan Times. 12 May 2009.</ref>

During 8–10 November 2010, 21 Hindi, [[Bengali language|Bengali]], and [[Nepali language|Nepali]] speakers were killed by a faction of the NDFB in Assam.<ref>"[http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/nine-attacks-since-monday-toll-now-22/708839/ Nine attacks since Monday, toll now 22]". Indian Express. 10 November 2010.</ref>

In [[Meghalaya]], the non-indigenous people (who are collectively called ''Dkhars'') are often targets of militant groups.<ref>T. Haokip, "[https://www.academia.edu/2227014/Inter-Ethnic_Relations_in_Meghalaya Inter-Ethnic Relations in Meghalaya]", ''Asian Ethnicity'', 15:3, 302-316, DOI: 10.1080/14631369.2013.853545</ref>

On 3 May 2023, [[2023–2024 Manipur violence|ethnic violence erupted]] in India's north-eastern state of [[Manipur]] between the [[Meitei people]], a majority that lives in the [[Imphal Valley]], and the [[Kuki people|Kuki-Zo]] tribal community from the surrounding hills, resulting in 60,000 people displaced from their homes and hundreds more dead and hospitalized.<ref>
{{cite news |date=22 July 2023 |first=Patricia |last=Mukhim |title=Can Manipur ever trust India again? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2023/7/22/can-manipur-ever-trust-india-again |work=Al Jazeera}}
</ref>

'''Racism against Biharis'''

Biharis migrants working to study in India faced severe discrimination. Delhi and Punjab had the highest rates of discrimination against Biharis following [[Maharashtra|Maharastra]].

== Racism against foreigners ==
=== Background ===
India has emerged as a growing destination for [[higher education]] among students from various African countries owing to a shortage of universities in many African countries, the English medium education provided by many Indian universities and the relative affordability of higher education in India as compared to developed countries of the West. In addition the Indian government has launched programmes such as "Study in India" to promote more African International students to study in India, and announced 50,000 scholarships for African students over a period of 5 years in 2016. In 2014 there were over 10,000 African students in India, mostly of Sudanese, Nigerian, and Kenyan origin.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roy |first=Sandip |date=4 April 2017 |title=The Ugly Side Of Being An African Student In India |work=[[NPR]] |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/04/04/522453520/the-ugly-side-of-being-an-african-student-in-india |access-date=26 January 2023}}</ref> These African students face widespread discrimination from their Indian peers, threat of violence, workplace discrimination with them getting a lower pay and struggling to find part-time jobs despite the rules making internships mandatory, and many face difficulty finding housing and have to pay far higher for it than native residents.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title='Study in India' and India's African Dilemma |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/06/study-in-india-and-indias-african-dilemma/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Violence and discrimination ===
Incidents of violence against African students in North, South and West India are widespread with some being widely covered by local, national and international media.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-30 |title=A grim reality |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/attack-on-african-students-congolese-delhi-government-editorial-a-grim-reality-2824881/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2016-06-10 |title='We are scared' _ Africans in India say racism is constant |url=https://apnews.com/article/16e59225cccd4e1c9ed9d0f664c2cdc4 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref> These include the murder of a 29 year old Congolese national, Masonda Ketada Olivier, in May 2016, who was beaten to death by 3 men in [[South Delhi]] over a fight about hiring an [[auto rickshaw]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-21 |title=29-year-old Congolese man killed in Delhi, police probe racism angle |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/23-year-old-african-national-beaten-to-death-in-delhi-s-vasant-kunj/story-zwkp2CXlI5yE2DQfOdDSCM.html |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> This incident triggered widespread condemnation from African students in India, the African Heads of Mission in New Delhi, along with local backlash against Indian minorities in [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|the Congo]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-26 |title=Shops of Indians in Congo attacked after murder of African man in Delhi |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/shops-of-indians-in-congo-attacked-after-murder-of-congolese-man-in-delhi/story-NTdcUONGNwFpRJ4MCcgmnN.html |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

In March 2015, 4 men from the [[Ivory Coast]] were assaulted by a mob in the city of [[Bangalore]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=4 Africans Allegedly Attacked by Mob in Bengaluru |url=https://www.ndtv.com/bangalore-news/4-africans-allegedly-attacked-by-mob-in-bengaluru-745924 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> In 2020, in [[Uttarakhand|Uttarakhand's]] [[Roorkee Institute of Technology]], 2 African students, Ibrahim a Nigerian-Guinean and Benjamin a Ghanaian were attacked by a group of security guards, with Ibrahim being dragged from the second to the ground floor and Benjamin being hit by bamboo sticks. This incident led to the arrest of the Director of the institution along with 7 other individuals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quint |first=The |date=2020-07-16 |title=2 African Students Brutalised in Roorkee College, Director Nabbed |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/hot-news/2-african-students-brutalised-in-roorkee-college-director-nabbed |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}</ref>

Following incidents of violence, the [[Delhi Police|Delhi police]] in 2017 created a special helpline for Africans residing in the [[National Capital Region (India)|National Capital Region]] as part of their outreach program to assure them of their safety and security.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-30 |title=Police launch special helpline for Africans living in India |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/police-launch-special-helpline-for-africans-living-in-india-attack-noida-assault-4591739/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

African students in North, South anf West India are stereotyped as drug dealers, prostitutes, or even cannibals.<ref name=":1" /> In one incident in [[Greater Noida]] in 2017, the African students in the city faced violence and hostility following the death of Manish Khari, a class 12 student. The locals suspected the students of cannibalism and blamed them for his death, police arrested 5 students following local pressure, however released them subsequently as no evidence was found against them. The police had to request the students to stay indoors until their safety could be guaranteed and made arrests for the racial violence, however the local unit of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] and [[Hindu Yuva Vahini]] petitioned the police to stop making any further arrests among those booked for the incidents.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Africans Are Cannibals,' and Other Toxic Indian Tales |url=https://thewire.in/diplomacy/african-cannibals-says-indians |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=The Wire}}</ref>

=== Causes ===
The racist attitude of many Indians towards Africans has been attributed to the widespread ignorance about the continent in the country, with many Indians being unaware of the existence of many African countries and the true extent of the diversity across the continent. Cultural attitudes and differences in clothing and language along with widespread skin colour-based discrimination have also contributed to xenophobic attitudes among many in the country.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhushan |first=Shambhavi |date=2021-08-11 |title=Africans in India: When Will Racism, Violence, and Discrimination End? |url=https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/africans-in-india-when-will-racism-violence-and-discrimination-end-opinion |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=India's Racial Prejudice Is Jeopardising Ties With African Nations |url=https://thewire.in/rights/india-racism-african-foreign-students |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=The Wire}}</ref>

=== Discrimination by police and government authorities ===
African students are routine targets of deportation by various police forces in Northern, Southern and Western states due to purported overstaying of their visas. In July 2016, the Bangalore Police prepared a list of 1500 African students who were reported to be overstaying in the country and had no valid visas, and intended to deport them by the month's end. The students however contended that they are forced to overstay owing to bureaucratic hurdles in extending their visas or getting bona fide certificates from their colleges.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-07-06 |title=Bengaluru Police May Deport Over 1500 African Students for Overstaying |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/bengaluru-police-plans-to-deport-over-1500-african-students-for-overstaying-1266317.html |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> The Banglore Police sent 14 Africans to a detention center in December 2022 due to them overstaying their visas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-22 |title=Bengaluru police send 14 overstaying Africans to detention centre |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/city/bengaluru-crime/bengaluru-police-send-14-overstaying-africans-to-detention-centre-1173941.html |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> The police also further spread the stereotype of African students being drug dealers by conducting routine narcotic searches and handling their deportation through their anti-drugs departments. In January 2023, in Delhi a mob of 150-200 nationals of African countries surrounded and managed to free 2 out of the 3 Nigerian nationals who were going to be deported by the anti-narcotics cell for overstaying their visas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Huge Mob Attacks Delhi Cops After 3 Nigerians Detained For Overstaying |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/africans-attack-police-in-delhi-delhi-cops-arrest-3-on-drug-charge-foreigners-mob-brings-them-back-3673261 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

In 2020, the [[Director general of police|DGP]] of [[Punjab Police (India)|Punjab Police]] issued a circular prohibiting the use of racial terms in official records, after the [[Punjab and Haryana High Court]] took objection to the use of the term "negro" in the records and ordered the DGP to sensitize police officers about racial issues to prevent the use of such terms in official records.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-04 |title=HC appreciates Punjab Police decision prohibiting use of racial terms in records |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/hc-appreciates-punjab-police-prohibiting-racial-terms-records-6489601/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

In 2014, the then Law Minister of the [[Government of Delhi|Delhi government]], [[Somnath Bharti|Somnath Bharati]] conducted a midnight raid on the homes of African nationals living in Khirki Extension in South Delhi. The raids were conducted over alleged drug and sex trafficking, following the raids 100 out of the 300 students residing there left the locality.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Delhi: After Somnath Bharti's midnight raid, Africans live in fear, move to other areas |url=https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-after-somnath-bhartis-midnight-raid-africans-live-in-fear-move-to-other-areas-548816 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

==See also==

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Anti-Muslim sentiment]]
* [[Anti-Bihari sentiment]]
* [[Caste system in India]]
* [[Communalism (South Asia)]]
* [[Human rights in India]]
* [[Nido Taniam]]
* [[1991 anti-Tamil violence in Karnataka]]
* [[2008 attacks on Uttar Pradeshi and Bihari migrants in Maharashtra]]
*[[2023-2025 Manipur violence]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Racism topics|state=collapsed}}
{{Asia topic|Racism in}}
{{Social issues in India}}
{{Discrimination}}

[[Category:Ethnic groups in India]]
[[Category:Society of India]]
[[Category:Discrimination in India]]
[[Category:Racism by country|India]]
[[Category:Racism in India| ]]
[[Category:Racism in Asia|India]]

Ethnic relations in India - Revision history

Mohammadzaidmansoori at 02:41, 22 March 2026