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"Widespread discrimination, social isolation” reported by Indian American Muslims: IAMC survey
"The rise of Hindu nationalism has caused a noticeable deterioration in relationships between Indian American Muslims and Hindus in the U.S. Many respondents expressed feelings of mistrust and social isolation," the report stated.
IAMC is the largest US-based advocacy organization of Indian American Muslims. / IAMC
Indian American Muslims are experiencing alarming levels of emotional distress, social isolation, and discrimination as a result of the increasing prevalence of Hindu nationalism in the United States, according to a survey.
The survey conducted by the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) and ReThink Media, which collected responses from 950 Indian American Muslims, come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a visit to the US on Sep.21,
Widespread Discrimination and Exclusion
A significant portion of respondents reported facing harassment, discrimination, or prejudice from Hindu friends or acquaintances over the past decade. This bias was also prevalent in professional environments, where the majority of participants cited experiencing discriminatory treatment from Hindu colleagues. Many respondents noted that they felt increasingly unwelcome in traditionally inclusive Indian American cultural and social spaces.
Social Division and Erosion of Trust
The rise of Hindu nationalism has notably eroded trust and caused divisions between Indian American Muslims and Hindus in the U.S. According to the survey, 80 percent of participants said they feel less comfortable in Indian American social settings, particularly since the ascent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India. This feeling of exclusion, respondents said, has deepened in recent years, leaving them isolated from events they once took part in.
Impact of Social Media
Nearly half of the respondents (48 percent) reported experiencing harassment on digital platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn. These incidents of online discrimination were described as emotionally draining, adding to a broader sense of hostility and alienation.
Mental and Emotional Toll
The survey revealed that the cumulative effects of exclusion and discrimination have profoundly impacted the mental and emotional well-being of Indian American Muslims. Many respondents reported feelings of fear, isolation, and emotional exhaustion. There were also concerns about how this environment is affecting younger generations within the community.
Threat to Democracy and Religious Minorities
The overwhelming majority of respondents (94 percent) expressed concerns that Hindu nationalism poses a direct threat to religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, both in India and the U.S. Additionally, 86 percent of respondents viewed Hindu nationalism as a threat to democracy in the U.S., with growing fears about the infiltration of its ideology into American politics and academic spaces.
"This survey provides quantitative proof of what many Indian American Muslims have known to be true for decades: namely, that Hindu nationalism is a corrosive force in American life, just as it is in India," said IAMC executive director Rasheed Ahmed.
The survey respondents were spread across the U.S., with concentrations in major Indian American population centers, including New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Texas, and California. The report concludes with a call for increased community dialogue, education, and policy measures to address the growing divide and ensure the inclusion and safety of Indian American Muslims.
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