IMSD is a forum of Indian Muslims committed to the values of democracy, secularism, equality and justice as enshrined in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution of India. IMSD believes that these values are fully in consonance with the core teachings of Islam. It seeks to rejuvenate the tolerant traditions within Islam to generate a progressive and liberal voice within the Indian Muslim community so that Muslims in India are able to live in dignity, at peace with self and with all fellow Indians.

IMSD is an independent national movement of progressive Muslims. It is a non-party, socio-political organisation, seeking to create an alternative progressive discourse within the community and is firmly committed to the cause of modern secular values and gender justice. It is opposed to the forces of conservatism, patriarchy, the domination of the clergy, dogmatism, extremism and violence.