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| Recent incidents, including inflammatory statements by BJP politicians and the perceived anti-Muslim policies, have impacted India’s relations with Bangladesh, Iran, and Gulf nations. | Photo Credit: Mohd Arif |
New Dehli - The strident anti-Muslim rhetoric at home is alarming even friendly nations. How long can the Modi government maintain its diplomatic balancing act?
India's domestic political discourse, particularly its treatment of Muslim minorities, is increasingly affecting its international relations and global image. Recent incidents have highlighted the growing concern among India's neighbors and traditional allies about the country's internal politics and its potential spillover effects.
Diplomatic Tensions with Neighbors
On September 23, Bangladesh protested against Indian Home Minister Amit Shah's comments about "infiltrators," which were perceived as targeting Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. The incident led to a formal protest note and the summoning of the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka. This diplomatic tension underscores the delicate balance India must maintain between its domestic political rhetoric and international relations.
Similarly, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently grouped India with Gaza and Myanmar in a tweet condemning the persecution of Muslims. While India's Ministry of External Affairs strongly rebutted these claims, the incident highlights the growing international scrutiny of India's treatment of its Muslim minority.
Impact on Relations with Islamic Nations
Despite maintaining strong diplomatic ties with Gulf countries, India's internal politics are increasingly causing concern among Muslim-majority nations:
1. Indonesia expressed backlash over the targeting of Tablighi Jamaat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Some Gulf countries deported Indians for spreading hateful propaganda.
3. Kuwaiti parliamentarians called for a ban on BJP politicians over the hijab controversy in Karnataka.
These incidents suggest that India's traditionally friendly relations with Islamic nations are being strained by its domestic political discourse.
Changing Perceptions in the Arab World
India's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has also come under scrutiny. While India has historically been viewed as pro-Palestinian, its recent abstentions in UN votes and the suppression of pro-Palestinian protests within India have raised questions about its position. The strong support for Israel from India's right-wing and mainstream media has further complicated perceptions of India in the Arab world.
Regional Challenges
The impact of India's domestic politics is not limited to Muslim-majority countries. Anti-India sentiment has been growing in neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Factors contributing to this include:
1. Perceptions of India's role in supporting autocratic regimes
2. Border disputes and incidents
3. Concerns over India's domestic policies like the CAA-NRC
4. Aggressive rhetoric from Indian media and politicians
The Sikh Diaspora and International Relations
The Indian government's handling of the farmers' protests and subsequent events related to the Sikh diaspora have also had international repercussions. The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the diplomatic standoff with Canada have further complicated India's international relations.
The Need for De-escalation
To regain its standing in the world, India needs to actively address and de-escalate internal frictions. The government must recognize that divisive internal discourse can harm both national security and international interests. As foreign actors learn to exploit these narratives, it becomes increasingly important for India to engage with the world as a nation whose greatest strength lies in its diversity.
While India maintains strong diplomatic ties with many nations, the spillover effects of its domestic politics are increasingly challenging its global image and relationships. Balancing internal political dynamics with international diplomacy will be crucial for India to maintain its standing on the world stage.
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