PM Modi attends Christmas service, renews Christian outreach

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday continued his outreach to the Christian community by attending the Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi, joining a large congregation from across North India.

The service included prayers, hymns and carols, with a special prayer for the Prime Minister led by Rt Rev Paul Swarup, Bishop of Delhi.

The visit is part of a sustained engagement with the Christian community rather than a one-off gesture. Over the past decade, Modi has regularly participated in Christian religious and community events, signalling the government's emphasis on inclusion while remaining anchored to the BJP's core ideological position.


Soon after assuming office, Modi began hosting annual Christmas receptions for Christian leaders at his official residence, bringing together bishops, priests and representatives of multiple denominations. In April 2023, he attended Easter celebrations at Delhi's Sacred Heart Cathedral. During Christmas 2023, he hosted Christian leaders and community members at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. In 2024, he attended a Christmas dinner at the residence of Union minister George Kurian and later participated in a programme organised by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI).

Christian representation has also remained visible within the Modi government. Leaders such as K J Alphons, who served as Union tourism minister, and George Kurian, currently Minister of State, have been part of the BJP-led administration, reinforcing a message of representation at the executive level.

Internationally, Modi has engaged with the Catholic Church leadership on multiple occasions. He met Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2021, when discussions focused on the Covid-19 pandemic and humanitarian issues, and again on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy in 2024, reiterating an invitation to the Pontiff to visit India.

Earlier on Thursday, Modi extended Christmas greetings on X, writing: "Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas filled with peace, compassion and hope. May the teachings of Jesus Christ strengthen harmony in our society."