The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has adopted an aggressive approach towards Pakistan since he took office in 2014. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Modi, has been pushing Hindutva nationalism,  often regarded as a peephole that prioritizes Hindu identity, as the driving force behind India’s foreign and domestic policies. This has strained ties with the neighboring countries, especially Pakistan and systematically increased intercommunal violence against Muslims and other minority groups in India. In addition to posing a severe threat to regional peace, such policies demonstrate the international community’s rising disregard for the violations of human rights under the Modi government

Modi, since coming to power, has adopted aggressive polices against Pakistan

Modi seems to have a specific plan for dealing with Pakistan. Modi, since coming to power, has adopted aggressive polices against Pakistan. During his first tenure, he invited then premier of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, during his swearing-in ceremony. Modi’s hospitality lost all value as soon as it turned into a circus, complete with cross-border firings, the cancellation of talks at the foreign secretary level, and belligerent war-of-terrorism rhetoric.

Pulwama-Balakot crisis was not only due to aggressive military posturing; but was also politically-motivated meant to advance the Indian nationalist objectives of the ruling party. The objectives were promoted as a way to increase nationalist support for Modi in India, which presents Modi as the leader defending India and portraying Pakistan as a constant threat. Modi’s political fire is fueled by this counterfactual framework of unending animosity, which also increases the likelihood of a nuclear conflict in South Asia.

On August 5, 2019, Indian government revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution,  eliminating Jammu and Kashmir’s unique autonomous clause and its temporary status

The Kashmir dispute is an evident illustration of Modi’s militaristic style and disregard for peace. On August 5, 2019, Indian government revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution,  eliminating Jammu and Kashmir’s unique autonomous clause and its temporary status. In violation of both UN mandates and constitutional norms, Modi’s government took this drastic decision without consulting the leaders and people of Kashmir.

A communication blackout was implemented, a harsh curfew was imposed on the people of Kashmir, many people were imprisoned, and additional military measures were implemented after its abrogation. However, it is alleged that some Kashmiris, including minors, were detained without being charged. The shutdown of the schools, the economic paralysis, and—above all—the denial of fundamental human rights were the significant changes.

The Modi government portrayed this action as a step towards the state of Jammu and Kashmir becoming a part of India and going through different phases of development. But in reality, they implemented a grassroots strategy that was a practical support for the larger Hindutva agenda.

The CAA, a law that facilitates citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from nearby nations, is an institutionalized act that harms India’s secular constitution by separating religious beliefs

Kashmir is not the only region in India where Muslims have been persecuted under Modi’s rule. Laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) discriminate against Muslims, and BJP leaders are directly threatening them. Muslims have been attacked and killed across the country for allegedly slaughtering cows. The CAA, a law that facilitates citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from nearby nations, is an institutionalized act that harms India’s secular constitution by separating religious beliefs.

India’s reputation as a secular democracy is weakened by this domestic abuse about the larger region, which has serious repercussions and incites contempt among neighbors with a majority of Muslims. Pakistan has brought attention to the issue on several occasions in the international arena, citing the Indian government’s mistreatment of its Muslim minority as a violation of human rights and a contributing factor to the instability in South Asia.

Large international corporations continue to invest heavily in India, and world leaders frequently commend Modi for significantly altering the country’s situation. It’s quite remarkable how the world seems to care little about what’s going on in India under Modi.

Diplomatic negotiations have been difficult due to the ongoing military confrontations, the conflict in Kashmir, hostile rhetoric and war-mongering policies of Modi in South Asia

South Asia’s peace is in danger due to Modi’s aggressive strategy against Pakistan, which is based on nationalist sentiments and political self-interest. Diplomatic negotiations have been difficult due to the ongoing military confrontations, the conflict in Kashmir, hostile rhetoric and war-mongering policies of Modi in South Asia. The major powers and institutions must play their role in promoting peace and stability and must hold Modi accountable for his extreme human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOJK), Muslim minorities in India and war mongering policies against Pakistan.

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.