The issue of religious extremism in Xinjiang, China, has attracted significant global attention, with particular focus on the Chinese government's policies toward the Uyghur Muslim population. Indian scholars, rooted in a diverse and pluralistic society, offer nuanced perspectives on this complex issue that go beyond mainstream geopolitical narratives. This paper explores Indian academic responses to religious extremism in Xinjiang, highlighting the balance they strike between national interests, regional security concerns, and human rights considerations.

Indian scholarship often examines the Xinjiang issue through multiple lenses: security and counterterrorism, Sino-Indian relations, regional stability, and the broader discourse on minority rights and religious freedom. Scholars acknowledge the legitimacy of China’s concerns regarding extremism and separatism but also critique the disproportionate and systemic repression of the Uyghur identity, culture, and religion. The paper investigates how Indian scholars draw parallels and contrasts with India’s own experiences with religious diversity, insurgency, and minority integration.