If one closely studied the mind of the present rulers in Delhi, one would clearly see that Modi government believes in choosing interests over principles, notwithstanding the declarations of high moral standards and “Ram Rajya” of Modi and his company.
Suddenly the age-old support to Palestinians disappeared and Israel became a darling of India. What was the motivation? One, Israel offered defense equipment and training to Indian commandos to fight insurgency in J & K. Two, Israel offered technology, including the spying equipment, and of course, technologies in other fields including agriculture. However, the most gluing factor between Modi and Netanyahu was the latter’s autocratic style of functioning. It was for the same reason that Modi felt drawn to Trump who he endorsed as India’s choice of the President of America in 2020 when at a rally of Indian Americans in Houston on September 22, 2019 he gave the slogan “Abki bar Trump Sarkar” (Next it is Trump administration), which was an utter violation of the US laws which prohibit a visitor to the US interfering in the internal political affairs of the country. But Modi, as Prime Minister of India, a country that the US considersits “strategic partner” committed the violation and got away with it.
India’s response to Russian invasion of Ukraine, some foreign policy experts will argue, is guided by the harsh geopolitical circumstances. India has to deal with China, a growing and ambitious power in India’s neighborhood. India needs the support of both the US and Russia. Hence, India treaded a path whereby it will not annoy either. However, by abstaining from the US vote to condemn Russia for aggression against Ukraine, India has clearly indicated its preference for now, whatever explanation the foreign ministry of India may give.
Once again, it has become clear to the world where the sympathies of the present government of India lie. Not with democracies. Surely not. The pattern we have seen of Modi’s preference for autocrats holds.
One of the reasons which most India watchers either deliberately keep quiet about or have failed to see is the history of the political party governing India. It is the party that admired Adolf Hitler. It is the party that considers Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi as a patriot who rid India of a man who , according to the perception of this party, was pro-Muslim and responsible for the division of India in 1947. It is the party that wants a theocratic Hindu state by 2025 when the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( the party’s volunteer corps) celebrates centenary of its foundation.
The government of India’s foreign policy is not only guided by the tough geopolitical conditions but also by the desire to have the nations on its side when it goes in for a declaration of a theocratic state. Democracies of the world, including the US are not going to be supportive of the anti-democratic move of the Indian rulers. In fact, they will oppose any such move. India will then need Russia, a country that has no qualms about democratic decencies or human rights.
Modi and his people have long been preparing to realize their dream of a Hindu Nation. They want to amend the constitution and act democratically, for now, but the way they are losing power in State after States , they may fail to have the required numbers in the Rajya Sabha (the upper house, much like the US Senate) to carry out the constitutional amendment and fail in their democratic bid. So, they have plan B to ensure they achieve their dream. And that will not be a democratic way. It is then that they will need Putins of the world.
Does the scenario frighten you? I wish the world is spared another genocide.