On Thursday, the White House is set to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, highlighting the strong partnership and commitment to the Indo-Pacific. This event comes after months of praise for India’s economic progress and cultural influence. While it is important to acknowledge the positive transformations in India, we must also recognize the troubling aspects of Mr. Modi’s leadership.
Under Mr. Modi’s Hindu nationalist doctrine, India has experienced a significant erosion of democracy, civil society, and minority rights. India’s ranking on press freedom, academic freedom, and democracy indices has plummeted during his tenure. The government has been accused of harassing critics, censoring information, and targeting opposition leaders. It has also actively worked to erase Muslim history and suppress religious and cultural autonomy.
Economic indicators also raise concerns. Women’s participation in the formal workforce has declined, wealth inequality has grown, unemployment is on the rise, and basic necessities like food and healthcare are becoming more expensive. Furthermore, the government has impeded efforts to combat climate change and has shown hostility towards climate activists and scientific education.
The influence of Mr. Modi’s politics is extending beyond India’s borders, affecting Indian diaspora communities in the United States. Instances of hate symbols, censorship, and threats against critics of Hindu nationalism have been reported in American communities, workplaces, and campuses. The overseas arm of the RSS, an extremist Hindu nationalist organization, has gained a foothold in the US.
While it is crucial to maintain strong bilateral relations between the US and India, we must approach this relationship with a critical eye. Mr. Modi’s version of India, like any leader’s vision, is subjective and can be skewed. To promote healthier engagement, US news organizations, research institutions, and companies doing business in India should prioritize factual reporting, support human rights, and promote non-discriminatory practices. Silicon Valley should also push back against autocratic digital policies and censorship requests.
US legislators should enact legislation to protect marginalized groups, including caste-based discrimination, and educate themselves on India’s diverse population to avoid marginalizing any community. Campus administrators should be prepared to protect academic freedom from attempts to censor dissenting voices. Additionally, we must recognize the diversity within the Indian American diaspora and acknowledge the unique needs and interests of its constituents.
In looking at India, we should reflect on our own problems in the United States. Comparisons can be drawn between India’s democratic breakdown and the challenges we face domestically, including economic inequality, ethnic divisions, and an evolving information landscape. India serves as a cautionary example of how authoritarianism can threaten a multiethnic democracy in the digital age.
Ultimately, it is crucial to maintain a critical perspective while fostering strong ties between the US and India. By holding India up as a mirror to ourselves, we can address our own shortcomings and work together towards a more inclusive and democratic future.
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