Global civil society alliance CIVICUS has placed India on its latest CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist, citing what it describes as a rapid deterioration in civic freedoms during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term in office. The organisation says the move reflects an escalating crackdown on activists, journalists, civil society organisations and critics of the government through restrictive legislation, censorship measures and expanded state powers.
India is currently rated "Repressed" by the CIVICUS Monitor—the second most restrictive civic space classification assigned by the organisation. According to CIVICUS, the rating signifies severe constraints on the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association. India joins Bahrain, Burkina Faso, Ecuador and Georgia in the latest Watchlist update.
Escalating Crackdown on Activists
CIVICUS points to a series of recent developments which it says illustrate the worsening environment for civic freedoms.
In March 2026, Delhi Police allegedly detained eleven activists—including students, labour rights advocates and anti-displacement campaigners—without arrest warrants or notifying their families. CIVICUS reports that several detainees were allegedly subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment while in custody.
The organisation also highlights the continued use of India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against activists and government critics. In April 2026, the National Investigation Agency renewed investigations into activists connected to the long-running Bhima Koregaon case, despite several having already spent years in pre-trial detention before obtaining bail.
In June 2026, activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam were again denied bail after remaining imprisoned since 2020 under the UAPA in connection with the February 2020 Delhi riots.
"The Indian government has systematically expanded its use of draconian anti-terror laws to silence dissent," said Josef Benedict, CIVICUS Asia Pacific researcher. "When human rights defenders can spend years entangled in legal proceedings for their activism and exercising their fundamental freedoms, the process itself becomes a form of punishment."
Restrictions on Protests
According to CIVICUS, the right to peaceful assembly has also come under increasing pressure.
The organisation cites an April 2026 protest by factory workers in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, where police were accused of using excessive force against demonstrators protesting low wages and poor working conditions. More than 300 people, including activists, were reportedly detained.
Authorities were also accused of using excessive force during a protest held on 20 July by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement advocating for education and employment reforms.
Media Under Pressure
The report says journalists and independent media organisations continue to face increasing legal and political pressure.
Among the incidents highlighted are the February 2026 sentencing of investigative journalist Ravi Nair to one year in prison in a criminal defamation case linked to social media posts about the Adani Group, and an April 2026 police investigation into digital news outlet TeluguScribe under anti-terror legislation.
CIVICUS also notes that the offices of Assamese newspaper Asomiya Pratidin were attacked following criticism by Assam's Chief Minister.
The organisation raises concerns over proposed amendments to India's Information Technology Rules, which it says would significantly expand government authority to regulate online news and censor independent journalism.
In another case cited by CIVICUS, authorities banned the film Satluj, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, less than 48 hours after its release in July 2026.
New Restrictions on NGOs
CIVICUS says recent amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) further tighten government oversight of civil society organisations.
The June 2026 amendments reportedly expand government control over the assets of organisations whose foreign funding licences have been cancelled, while introducing additional reporting requirements and limiting the participation of foreign nationals in NGOs. The changes also prohibit organisations from engaging in political campaigns or endorsing political parties or candidates.
"These amendments to the FCRA are not isolated incidents; they are part of a sustained effort to squeeze independent civil society," Benedict said. "The government is tightening its grip on funding, speech and activism, leaving very little room for dissenting voices. These actions are inconsistent with India's international human rights obligations."
Kashmir Remains a Concern
CIVICUS says civic freedoms remain particularly restricted in Jammu and Kashmir.
The organisation notes that activist Khurram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj continue to face charges under the UAPA, while authorities have allegedly restricted access to information through internet throttling and by targeting social media accounts focused on human rights issues.
It also points to the recent arrest of three publishers over books alleged to contain objectionable material.
About the CIVICUS Monitor
The CIVICUS Monitor tracks civic freedoms in 198 countries and territories, assessing conditions for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. According to the organisation, countries rated "Repressed" experience significant restrictions on civic space, with activists and civil society groups facing surveillance, intimidation, harassment, arbitrary detention and legal obstacles to their work.
India's inclusion on the latest Watchlist reflects what CIVICUS describes as a sustained decline in civic freedoms, characterised by increasing restrictions on dissent, media independence and civil society activity. The organisation says it will continue monitoring developments and calls on the Indian government to uphold its international human rights obligations and protect fundamental freedoms.
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