The Viksit Bharat Era of India: A Decade of Modi’s Hindutva and Its Implications for Pakistan

Introduction

As India concludes its latest election cycle, it is crucial to assess the country’s trajectory after a decade of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule, characterized by his promotion of Hindutva. This period has seen significant transformations in India, not only economically but also culturally and politically. This article explores these changes and their implications for Pakistan, a neighboring country with a fraught relationship with India.

The Modi Doctrine: From “Incredible India” to “Viksit Bharat”

Under Modi’s leadership, India has transitioned from the brand of “Incredible India” to the ambitious vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). Modi’s economic policies have positioned India as a formidable global economic player. However, this vision extends beyond economic growth to encompass cultural and political dimensions, deeply rooted in the ideology of Hindutva.

Economic Juggernaut

Since Modi took office in 2014, India’s economic growth has been notable. The government has implemented numerous reforms to improve the business climate, attract foreign investment, and boost manufacturing under initiatives like “Make in India.” These efforts have yielded impressive results, transforming India into one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world.

Hindutva and Cultural Transformation

Hindutva, the ideological cornerstone of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its parent organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has been a driving force in Modi’s governance. This ideology promotes the cultural and religious dominance of Hinduism in India, influencing policies and societal attitudes. The push towards renaming India as Bharat reflects a deeper cultural shift aiming to redefine national identity.

India-Pakistan Relations: A Decade of Tension and Stalled Talks

The relationship between India and Pakistan has been marked by persistent tension and a lack of substantive dialogue. Despite several high-stakes incidents, direct communication between the two nations has been minimal and often strained.

Key Incidents and Limited Communication

• Pathankot Airbase Attack (2016): Following a terrorist attack, Indian and Pakistani officials engaged in limited dialogue, attempting to manage the fallout.
• Balakot Airstrikes (2019): In a significant escalation, Indian warplanes targeted Pakistani territory. Subsequent talks helped prevent further hostilities.
• BrahMos Missile Incident (2022): An accidental missile launch from India into Pakistan led to a delayed and minimal response from India, highlighting the fragility of communication channels.

Political Rhetoric and Hostility

Throughout the recent Indian election, BJP leaders frequently referenced Pakistan, often in disparaging terms. This rhetoric underscores a persistent view of Pakistan as a significant, albeit adversarial, factor in Indian politics.

The Strategic Focus: China vs. Pakistan

While India officially positions China as its primary strategic competitor, its actions suggest a continued focus on Pakistan. This dichotomy is evident in both defense acquisitions and trade relations.

Defense Posture

India’s major defense purchases in the past decade, including French Rafale jets and Russian S-400 missile systems, appear primarily aimed at countering Pakistan rather than China. This focus reflects ongoing strategic calculations prioritizing the threat from Pakistan.

Economic Dependence on China

Despite its rivalry with China, India’s trade with the country has grown significantly. Since 2014, India’s imports from China have surged, leading to a substantial trade deficit. This economic dependence contrasts sharply with the aggressive stance often portrayed in strategic dialogues.

The Vision of Viksit Bharat: Implications for Pakistan

The concept of Viksit Bharat encompasses more than economic development; it signifies a cultural and political transformation that could have profound implications for Pakistan.

Cultural and Political Constructs

The shift from India to Bharat represents more than a mere change of nomenclature. It embodies a deeper ideological vision rooted in Hindutva, potentially influencing India’s domestic and foreign policies. This vision includes territorial ambitions and a revisionist approach to history, which could heighten regional tensions.

Potential Policy Shifts

Modi’s third-term agenda, articulated in his “New Sankalps from the Sadhana in Kanniyakumari,” emphasizes the cultural and political reimagining of India as Bharat. This vision, if aggressively pursued, may lead to policies that further strain relations with Pakistan.

Strategic Patience for Pakistan

For Pakistan, the rise of Viksit Bharat poses significant challenges. However, rather than pushing for immediate dialogue, Pakistani strategists might benefit from adopting a stance of tactical patience.

Economic Considerations

India’s ambitious economic goals require stable trade relations and continued growth. Any major conflict with Pakistan could disrupt these objectives. Therefore, Pakistan might find strategic opportunities in waiting for India’s economic priorities to dictate a more pragmatic approach to bilateral relations.

Domestic Challenges for India

India faces substantial domestic challenges, including economic disparities and social tensions. Any internal instability could affect Modi’s ability to focus on aggressive foreign policies. Pakistan’s strategic patience could exploit these vulnerabilities, waiting for a more opportune moment to engage in dialogue.

Conclusion

As India embarks on the next phase of its journey under Modi’s leadership, the vision of Viksit Bharat presents both opportunities and challenges. For Pakistan, understanding and navigating this complex landscape requires a nuanced approach, balancing strategic patience with readiness to engage when the conditions are favorable. The next decade will be crucial in shaping the future of Indo-Pak relations and the broader South Asian region.