India has been identified as one of the leading countries in the world for Bharatiya Janata Party government-imposed internet shutdowns in 2025. According to Kashmir Media Service, digital rights advocacy groups report that India frequently tops the list for restricting internet access, often surpassing other nations. The Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition’s new report, “Rising Repression Meets Global Resistance: Internet Shutdowns in 2025,” reveals that the Indian BJP government continues to prioritize control over people’s voices, failing to recognize that shutdowns are fundamentally incompatible with democratic principles.

The report states that 65 shutdowns were implemented in India in 2025. India has topped Access Now’s list for the highest number of internet shutdowns for several consecutive years, including 84 instances in 2022. A significant number of these shutdowns have been concentrated in the region of Jammu and Kashmir, where prolonged blackouts have been imposed.

In Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), internet access was suspended for more than 150 days after the Indian government shut down internet, mobile phone, and landline services following 5 August 2019. The second-longest shutdown in IIOJK lasted 133 days, from 8 July to 19 November 2016. Authorities often justify these restrictions on the grounds of security concerns, prevention of protests, or maintenance of public order during periods of political instability.

These shutdowns have been described as “weapons of control” and have caused significant economic damage, affecting businesses, education, and daily life in IIOJK. Beyond complete shutdowns, authorities have also blocked specific websites, social media accounts, and platforms, including, at times, independent news sites in the region.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)