India had proclaimed itself to be the largest democracy of the world. In the present day, it is laid open to the world as a state that was sinking into arrogance and ill-considered diplomacy. The Modi government has rendered India a proud aspirant of international reputation as an international pariah, isolated in virtually every direction. This plummet is not fortuitous. It is the direct consequence of hubris, human rights violations, and flouting of international law.

“The atrocity of India has nudged it towards a diplomatic quarantine.”

New Delhi is being haunted by the reality in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This systematic abuse, curfews, and persecution of minorities have taken the shape of the Indian state. Mass detentions, internet shutdowns, and population punishment of whole communities cannot be justified by any democratic state. The atrocity of India has nudged it towards a diplomatic quarantine. It has not been able to quiet the criticism, even with propaganda delegations and media spin. There are no takers of Indian lies in the world anymore.

India has suffered frequent humiliation at the United Nations. Its misdeed of blaming Pakistan in the propaganda that it was involved in the internal insurgency crumbled to the ground as well. India talks out in isolation even at forums such as the SCO and BRICS. Although it wanted to influence regional consensus, it was marginalized. This is perfectly understandable: you cannot replace legitimacy with lies and propaganda.

The world powers are afraid of India going against the international norms arrogantly. It is also worryingly closer to authoritarian governments. Rather than acting as a responsible state, India is moving to take the shape of another North Korea, aggressive, paranoid, and arrogant. That can be a rough way to put it, but the bottom line at hand is that India does as it actions speak louder than what it preaches about.

India is one of the frightening cases of reckless treatment of water wrangles. Not just to Pakistan is its abrogation of the Indus Waters Treaty dangerous to the world, but a warning. Given the threat of water cuts to 224 million people, it is recognized as a genocidal plan of action by a state. Should India be able to flippantly ignore an internationally agreed treaty, then how can other countries trust its words? This kind of behaviour shows India as a rogue state that is not worthy of global leadership.

“You cannot replace legitimacy with lies and propaganda.”

The breach of the Kashmir resolutions by the UN has increased its shamefulness. The autonomy of the people of IIOJK is an essence of the UN. The visible non-compliance with such resolutions by India is a dent to international law. Otherwise, unattended, it is a threatening precedent. It is not a matter of choice as to whether to collective action against India or not, it is a matter of necessity.

India attempted to export its propaganda in the form of world delegations. All the efforts were without avail. India had a false story about Kashmir and its domestic instability, which no state believed. Rather, the placebo game was solely symptomatic of irresponsibility on the part of India. This is not diplomacy. It is diplomacy at the expense of arrogance.

The foreign policy of India has been an obstruction to peace. Its arrogance does not allow for engaging in a dialogue with neighbours and promotes instability in the region. India, based on Hindutva nationalism, reflects the obstinacy of North Korea. These policies do not lead to respect but to the chances of sanctions.

Even the world leaders have deciphered the behaviour of India. Ex-President of the United States of America (U.S.), Donald Trump, candidly labelled the behaviour of India during the negotiations as obnoxious and straining. When the self-proclaimed guardian of democracy angers its nearest allies, it is a failure in diplomacy. India is considered a rogue state in the world. Apolitical societies can only be tamed by the friendless sanctions rather than appeasement to its arrogance.

The development of a dam on the Brahmaputra by India, despite the concerns raised by Bangladesh, demonstrates the dominating attitude of the latter to the issues of the region. This bilateral move illustrates the fact that India is unwilling to abide by international principles. It does not respect the law and rules when it suits their nationalist policies. This also sets its image of solitude.

“India is one of the frightening cases of reckless treatment of water wrangles.”

Pakistan, however, has required respect in terms of diplomacy. Its effective diplomatic offensive brought to the fore the atrocities committed in India and attracted international goodwill. The fakeness and arrogance of India were unveiled. India could not dream of unlimited hegemony due to the firm military and nimble diplomatic stance of Pakistan. What this meant was clear: rogue behaviour will not be tolerated.

A credibility crisis is faced by India today. It is unsuitable as a leader because of its poor record on human rights, economic nationalism, as well as authoritarianism. A state that discriminates against minorities and encourages majoritarian extremism cannot style itself as a pluralist. India does not need trade agreements bilaterally, but sanctions. The world powers should also act towards India as they used to do to any other rogue regimes.

It is made worse by the jingoism of the Modi government as well as toxic media campaigns. India will prefer to be disinformed instead of being informed. Rather than talking, it resorts to arrogance. This is not the course of a mindful state. It is a course in shame.

“Wisdom notifies the world to act lest arrogance leads to disaster.”

Wisdom notifies the world to act lest arrogance lead to disaster. The anarchic nature of Indian lawlessness, human rights, international rules and regulations is not a problem only to its neighbours but to global peace in general. There is already diplomatic isolation in sight. There should be sanctions. Indian arrogance can only be humbled by sharp measures, which will bring about a balance. The world has borne just so much. It is high time to press charges against India.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.