Modi strikes again

Even in the era of a strongman resurgence, the case of Modi has been unique. Despite his problematic human rights record and his persistent ethno-majoritarianism, Modi has become the selfstyled leader of India as an emergent powerhouse, the likes of which could not be imagined a couple of decades ago. While Modi has been a master at cobbling together a confounding national narrative infused with a sense of pride, egalitarianism and a fear of the other, all credit for India’s emergence under Modi’s leadership does not rest on his shoulders alone. Western powers, especially the US, have had a major role in enabling Modi to obtain the stature of a major world leader.

It was Bill Clinton who first realised the need to revise America’s strategic calculus and build an independent relationship with India to enable it to become a credible counterbalance to China. America’s relationship with India kept growing steadily over the next several years, even though the US again became heavily dependent on Pakistan to support its two-decade long intervention in Afghanistan. Pakistan resented India’s growing relationship with the US-backed Afghan administration. America’s failure to appreciate Pakistani insecurities generated much acrimony and finger pointing between the US and its non-NATO ally (Pakistan).

Meanwhile, India managed to convince the world to view the trouble in Kashmir as largely due to Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorist groups instead of being a consequence of India’s ongoing repression. The Mumbai terror attacks being linked to Pakistan in 2008, and the presence of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, did not help improve the country’s image. Domestically, Pakistan saw the exit of a decade-long military regime backed by the US, and the turnover of three democratic governments, with none of the elected PMs being able to complete their term. Modi, meanwhile, after being the CM of Gujarat for over a dozen years, launched his bid for PM, and managed to put together a coalition government to become PM in 2014.

Modi tried to deflect attention away from the divisive course of action he had chosen by enabling the Gujarat pogrom by harping on his ability to make India prosper economically. Modi was given a clean chit by the Indian judiciary and a red-carpet was rolled out for him by the US, where he had been persona non-grata just a few years earlier. Many European powers also wooed Modi, and remained mute about his repressive policies, keen to gain more access to the lucrative Indian market. While India grew significantly over the past decade, Modi has not been able to make this growth equitable.

Thus, Modi’s ultranationalist party machinery went into overdrive prior to the 2019 elections and the Pulwama incident gave his campaign just the push it needed for the BJP to return to power with a thumping majority. Within India the divisiveness has only grown, and Modi has done some very damaging things such as revoking the special status of Kashmir and passing discriminatory citizenship amendment laws. President Trump, however, noted little wrong with Modi’s autocratic style of governance. While Europe is largely ignoring the growing intolerance in India due to economic motives, and India’s increasing influence in the G20, the US wants to continue banking on India to take on China, even though there is little evidence to suggest that India will play such a role if push comes to shove. India’s stance on Ukraine should have given a reality check to the current US administration. What Modi got instead was a full-fledged state visit with all the pomp and glory.

Although Obama gave an interview to CNN warning India that it could fall apart if it continues to prosecute its Muslim minority, no such warning made it into the official statements issued by the two Presidents. Nor was the situation in Manipur given much import. Instead, many important defence and military deals were signed, and the US warned Pakistan instead to curb cross-border terrorism. Such warm international receptions, especially by the most powerful nation in the world, unfortunately boost Modi’s chances of winning a third term next year.