A Decade of Modi: India’s Democratic and Diplomatic Conundrum

As India reflects on a decade of Modi in the Prime Minister’s Office, the journey reveals a troubling trajectory marked by the erosion of democratic values, economic upheavals, and controversial international policies. From the resounding victory in 2014 to the ongoing Lok Sabha elections of 2024, a decade of Modi Government has profoundly impacted India’s social fabric, economic stability, and global reputation.

A Decade of Modi

2014-2019: The Rise and Initial Policies

Majoritarian Politics

Modi’s political journey gained momentum with his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, which laid the foundation for his selection as the BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The landslide victory of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), securing 282 out of 543 seats, propelled Modi to the position of Prime Minister.

Early in his tenure, Modi’s government signaled its alignment with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideology by endorsing cow protection laws. In 2017, the government banned the sale of cows for slaughter, a move steeped in Hindu nationalist sentiment. Though the Supreme Court later struck down the decision, the policy had already fanned the flames of communal tension.

Between 2015 and 2018, Human Rights Watch reported 36 cases of Muslims being lynched by cow vigilantes, incidents often recorded and shared on social media. These “cow lynchings” revealed the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators, who were sometimes even lauded by BJP officials. Modi acknowledged these incidents but deflected responsibility, questioning whether such violence was unprecedented.

Economic Disruptions

In November 2016, the demonetization policy of India aimed at curbing black money led to a severe economic crisis. Overnight, 86% of India’s currency became worthless, causing widespread economic disruption. The hardest hit were the poor and those in the informal sector, who struggled with cash shortages and economic instability. This move also resulted in a decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and a rise in unemployment.

2019-Present: An Uptick in Authoritarianism and Discriminatory Policies

Economic Policies and Social Impact

The period from 2019 to 2024 was marked by continued economic and social challenges. The government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for its lack of preparedness and the devastating impact of the sudden lockdown imposed in March 2020. Millions of migrant workers were left stranded without food or shelter, leading to a humanitarian crisis.

Agrarian Crisis and Social Unrest

The agricultural sector, already under distress, was further strained by demonetization and subsequent economic policies. In 2020, the Modi government introduced three farm laws aimed at deregulating the agricultural sector, which sparked massive protests from farmers who feared the laws would dismantle the minimum support price system and leave them at the mercy of large corporations.

The year-long protests saw farmers from Punjab and Haryana camped at the borders of Delhi, facing harsh weather conditions and police crackdowns. The government eventually repealed the laws in November 2021, but the episode highlighted the administration’s disconnect with the rural populace and its reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue.

The National Crime Records Bureau reported that 5,681 farmers and agricultural workers died by suicide in 2021 alone, highlighting the deepening agrarian crisis.

Suppressing Dissent and Targeting Minorities

Modi’s second term witnessed an intensification of efforts to suppress dissent. The 2019 amendment to the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) allowed the government to designate individuals as terrorists without due process, leading to the detention of journalists, activists, and government critics. This draconian measure severely restricted freedom of speech and political opposition.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of December 2019, which expedited citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries, sparked widespread protests.

Critics argued that the act, combined with the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), targeted Muslims and threatened India’s secular fabric. The Shaheen Bagh protest, predominantly led by Muslim women, became a powerful symbol of resistance until it was forcibly dispersed during the COVID-19 lockdown.

In addition, the months-long build-up of a “divisive Hindu-Muslim binary” caused the Delhi Riots of February 2020. The incident sparked by a BJP politician’s threat, resulted in the deaths of 53 people, mostly Muslims. Despite evidence of BJP involvement, arrests disproportionately targeted Muslim youths.

What’s more, is the fact that the Halal Meat Ban Campaign by BJP leaders was framed as part of an “Economic Jihad.” States like Uttar Pradesh have penalized companies issuing halal certification, aligning with broader anti-Muslim narratives.

Furthermore, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, aimed at identifying illegal immigrants, rendered nearly 2 million people stateless, many of them Muslims. This move, coupled with the construction of detention camps, has been seen as a tool for ethnic and religious cleansing.

Ram Mandir and Kashmir’s Lockdown

One of the landmark achievements for the BJP’s Hindutva agenda, especially during a decade of Modi in PM Office, was the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict allowing the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Modi laid the foundation stone in August 2020, and the temple was inaugurated on January 22, 2024, symbolizing a significant victory for Hindu nationalists.

In a parallel move, the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, leading to a severe lockdown in the region. Communications were cut, political leaders were detained, and military presence was intensified, drawing international criticism for human rights abuses.

Erosion of Democratic Institutions

During a decade of Modi, the government intensified its efforts to stifle dissent and consolidate power.

Judiciary Under Pressure

The independence of the judiciary has come under scrutiny. For example, in January 2020, the sudden transfer of Justice S. Muralidhar, who had reprimanded Delhi police over the handling of the riots, raised questions about judicial independence. Moreover, several verdicts, including the one on Babri Mosque and other such mosques that are now claimed by the Hindu majority, also raise concerns.

Unlawful Activities Prevention Act

The use of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) to detain journalists, activists, and political opponents increased. High-profile arrests, such as those of journalist Siddique Kappan and activist Umar Khalid, drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations.

Press Freedom

The BJP’s digital strategy further polarized society. Social media campaigns, particularly on WhatsApp, spread Islamophobic messages, framing Muslims as threats and portraying the BJP as defenders of Hindu values. According to a September 2023 article by Gerry Shih in the Washington Post, these campaigns incited violence and deepened communal divides.

In its 2022 report, Freedom House downgraded India’s status to “Partly Free,” citing increasing attacks on press freedom, suppression of dissent, and the rise of vigilantism. India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index plummeted to 161st out of 180 countries in 2023, reflecting the growing threats to journalistic independence.

Furthermore, the Modi-led government has increasingly clamped down on press freedom. High-profile incidents include the arrest of journalist Prashant Kanojia for social media posts and the raids on NDTV and The Quint for alleged financial irregularities, widely seen as attempts to intimidate independent media.

Moreover, in 2023, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) head office and the Indian news website NewsClick were subjected to raids, while journalists from various organizations were confronted with criminal charges or imprisonment, signaling a broader crackdown on freedom of expression.

India’s press freedom ranking, as reported by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), plummeted to 161 in 2023, a stark decline from 140 in 2014. This places India only three spots above Russia, a country that lacks the credible claim to being a democracy, underscoring the concerning erosion of press liberties.

International Relations and State-Sponsored Actions

Modi’s tenure has also seen strained international relations, particularly with China. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash highlighted ongoing border tensions, raising concerns about national security. More controversially, reports have emerged implicating Indian intelligence in extrajudicial killings abroad, targeting Sikh dissidents and other critics.

Also Read: India’s RAW: Rogue Agents or Rogue Agency?

The Washington Post and other international media have exposed India’s involvement in transnational repression, with data-driven insights suggesting Indian intelligence orchestration of assassinations in Europe, the United States, Australia, and Pakistan.

Freedom House has categorized India among “backsliding democracies” due to such actions, which undermine international norms and due process.

A report by The Guardian revealed India’s engagement in extrajudicial killings in Pakistan, with India’s defense minister admitting, “We will enter their homes and kill them there!” India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is reported to have conducted around 20 such operations since 2020. These actions have strained diplomatic relations and raised ethical concerns.

Also Read: Transnational Repression: India under Scrutiny

Espionage and Diplomatic Fallout

India’s espionage activities have led to diplomatic incidents. In 2021, several Indian spies were expelled from Australia for attempting to steal secrets on defense projects and trade relationships. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) thwarted these efforts, leading to a reevaluation of security protocols and diplomatic communication between Australia and India. These actions, involving RAW, have raised questions about the misuse of state resources and the ethical implications of such covert operations.

India at a Crossroads: Reflecting on a Decade of Modi in Power

As India finds itself amidst the fervor of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, reflecting on a decade of Modi, the nation stands at a critical juncture, grappling with questions about its democratic ethos and global standing. With six phases completed and the final phase slated for June 1st, the unexpectedly low voter turnout underscores the gravity of the moment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s increased engagement with the media amidst speculation about the election’s outcome reflects the heightened anticipation surrounding the future trajectory of the nation.

The Concerns!

Yet, as India awaits the final verdict, pressing concerns linger:

• Will another term under Modi’s leadership reinforce India’s democratic values or foster further polarization?
• How will India’s regional dynamics and global partnerships evolve in the wake of continued governance under Modi?
• Amidst growing scrutiny of India’s democratic institutions, what implications will the election outcome hold for the nation’s democratic resilience and global image?

As the world watches with anticipation, the outcome of the 2024 elections promises to reshape India’s future trajectory and reverberate across the global stage. In this moment of reflection and anticipation, India confronts profound uncertainties, signaling a pivotal moment in the nation’s history and the global order.

Reflecting on a decade of Modi in power, the erosion of democratic values, suppression of dissent, and controversial international actions present a grim picture. The international community and human rights advocates must continue to hold the Modi government accountable and advocate for the protection of democratic principles and minority rights in India.

Moreover, the streak of transnational repression and state-sponsored terrorism necessitate closer scrutiny and accountability to ensure that democratic values and international norms are upheld. The stakes are high, not just for India but for the global community, as we strive to uphold principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in an increasingly interconnected world.

Haleema Khalid

Haleema Khalid is an Editor and Research Lead at South Asia Times. She holds a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and a Bachelor's in Social Work. Her research interests include exploring language's impact on society and culture.

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