Freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution of India, but in the 1990's extremist Hinduism led to hate campaigns against Christians, calls for anti-conversion legislation and incidents of actual violence and atrocities against Christian workers.

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s links with India began in 1841 when the first PCI overseas missionaries arrived at Gujarat in the north west of the country. Since then over 300 PCI missionaries have served in India. 

In 1970, the Church of North India (CNI) was formed, when six denominations came together to form one church with a threefold aim: unity, witness and service.   PCI has partnered with the CNI since 1970 and our primary links are with the Gujarat Diocese.