India's Freedom Status Declines, Kashmir Improves in 2025 Report

Freedom House's 2025 report indicates a continued decline in global democratic freedoms for the 19th consecutive year, with India's score dropping from 66 to 63, categorizing it as 'Partly Free.' This decline is attributed to increased government surveillance, censorship, and a crackdown on dissent, raising concerns over press freedom and civil liberties. Notably, Indian Kashmir has improved from 'Not Free' to 'Partly Free,' with its score rising from 30 to 45, reflecting a return to elections and some restoration of political representation. Despite this progress, significant challenges remain in Kashmir, including human rights violations. The report highlights that only 20% of the world’s population resides in 'Free' countries, while the majority live in 'Partly Free' or 'Not Free' states, underscoring a global trend of democratic backsliding. In contrast, neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan reported improvements in their freedom status, showcasing a mixed landscape across South Asia.