India's Muslim Population May Near Indonesia's Levels After Census: Rijiju

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on May 9, 2026, that India's Muslim population is likely to be nearly on par with Indonesia's once the next Census data is published. The last national count was conducted in 2011, and the decennial exercise was delayed in 2021, allowing for significant population growth, he said.

Rijiju, the Minister for Minority Affairs, made the remarks in Mumbai after a seminar on Parsis in modern India. He noted the Parsi community's population has declined to between 52,000 and 55,000, calling them the smallest minority in India, and said the government is working to prevent further decline.

He dismissed claims that religious minorities face threats in India, asserting all citizens are equal before the Constitution. He attributed such fears to political organizations seeking to influence communities. Rijiju also said the BJP's victory in West Bengal strengthens national security by addressing illegal migration from Bangladesh.

The government will implement central schemes in West Bengal, including the National e-Vidhan Application, which were previously not adopted by the earlier state government, Rijiju added. The Census is expected to be conducted in 2027, with results likely in 2028.