Freedom House’s latest “Freedom in the World 2025” report reveals a continued decline in India’s democratic freedoms, with the country’s score dropping to 63 out of 100, down from 66 in 2024. Despite this national trend, Indian Kashmir has seen an improvement in its freedom status, moving from “Not Free” to “Partly Free” for the first time in years.
India’s Declining National Freedom Scores
India’s overall freedom score of 63 firmly places the country in the “Partly Free” category, reflecting growing concerns over press freedom, religious intolerance, and the shrinking space for dissent. The report cites increased government surveillance, censorship, and the use of anti-terror laws to silence critics as key factors in this decline.
Compared to the 2024 report, India’s civil liberties score has also decreased, with Freedom House highlighting the government’s crackdown on protests, harassment of journalists, and restrictive internet shutdowns. These trends align with a broader global pattern of democratic backsliding, with the report noting declines in democratic freedoms in 18 countries over the past year.
Kashmir’s Surprising Improvement
In a notable development, Indian Kashmir has seen an improvement in its freedom status, moving from “Not Free” in 2024 to “Partly Free” in 2025. The region’s freedom score has improved to 45 out of 100, up from 30 in 2024, marking a significant shift after years of being categorized as “Not Free.”
Key improvements in Kashmir’s freedom indicators include:
- Reduced militarization and fewer reports of arbitrary detentions
- Eased restrictions on internet access and local media
- Greater political participation and dialogue with local leaders
However, the report cautions that challenges remain, including allegations of human rights violations and the need for greater accountability. While the improvement in Kashmir’s status is seen as a positive step, sustained efforts are required to ensure long-term stability and freedom.
Global Context and Implications
Freedom House’s 2025 report underscores a global decline in democratic freedoms, with India’s backsliding serving as a concerning example. As the world’s largest democracy, India’s deteriorating freedom scores have far-reaching implications, particularly in South Asia where authoritarianism is on the rise.
Despite these challenges, the report also highlights some signs of democratic resilience globally. In 2024, nearly half of the world’s population participated in elections, including the United States where Donald Trump was re-elected, and Mexico which elected its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum.
The report calls on the Indian government to take immediate steps to restore democratic norms, including ensuring press freedom, protecting minority rights, and ending the use of repressive laws. It also urges the international community to hold India accountable for its human rights record, while acknowledging the positive developments in Kashmir.
As more details emerge from the full report, further insights into India’s democratic trajectory and the specific factors influencing these ratings will become clearer.
