India 2025

In recent days, I've had to listen to some things from Indians that I consider questionable. That there is no structure in Indian society that could be called caste, that there is no child labor in India, that autism is a result of inbreeding, and that since marriage in India is predominantly within one's own class and outside of one's name, often arranged, it hardly occurs.

This is Hindu nationalist ideology, i.e., slogans similar to those I know from Trump supporters. In India, these are supporters of Narendra Modi's ruling BJP party.

The development of India as a democracy under Narendra Modi is viewed with concern for several reasons, especially with regard to democratic principles such as freedom of expression, protection of minorities, and separation of powers. Here are the key points of criticism:

1. Restrictions on press freedom: Under Modi's government, pressure on independent media has increased significantly. Critical journalists are increasingly exposed to repression, for example through intimidation, house searches, or arrests.

2. Discrimination against minorities: Muslims in particular report growing marginalization. Laws such as the new Citizenship and Amnesty Act (CAA), which specifically excludes Muslims, and violent attacks by radical Hindu groups, which are often not consistently prosecuted, are considered alarming.

3. Strengthening nationalist tendencies: The ruling BJP under Modi is promoting a Hindu nationalist ideology ("Hindutva") that undermines India's secular tradition and polarizes the political atmosphere.

4. Weakening of democratic institutions: Critics accuse the government of exerting political influence on independent institutions such as courts, election commissions, and law enforcement agencies.

5. Internet and information control: Particularly in conflict regions such as Kashmir, there have been prolonged internet shutdowns and information blockades. Social media is also increasingly being censored.

6. Restrictions on civil society: NGOs and human rights organizations face strict regulations, license revocations, and harassment, especially if they express criticism of the government.

In summary, many observers fear that India under Modi is increasingly moving toward an illiberal democracy or even an authoritarian system – despite formal democratic structures.

I had to get this off my chest, as autocracies are springing up all around me.Lue lisää