In the last decade, India has experienced a significant shift in its approach to religious diversity, marked by controversial policies that have led to increased alienation and discrimination against religious minorities. This article explores key political actions, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the abrogation of Article 370, that highlight India’s growing religious bias under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. The implications of these actions are analyzed, both within India and across South Asia, underscoring the risk they pose to regional unity. By examining these issues, the article also emphasizes the importance of secularism and inclusivity for India’s global reputation and offers recommendations for promoting religious harmony.
India, known historically for its religious pluralism, now faces concerns over its secular identity due to a series of political measures perceived as biased against minorities. The rise of Hindu nationalism, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, has spurred debates on India’s commitment to secularism as enshrined in its constitution. This article examines the impact of specific legislative and executive actions that illustrate India’s deviation from religious neutrality, investigating how these measures affect India’s domestic and international standing, particularly within South Asia. Given the globalized context, India’s handling of religious diversity bears broader implications, as regional allies observe and respond to the nation’s internal shifts.
The discourse on religious nationalism in India highlights a departure from the country’s secular foundations, with scholars emphasizing how Hindu nationalism has grown to influence politics and policy. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the abrogation of Article 370 have been identified as two major actions reflecting this shift, each with profound impacts on religious minorities, especially Muslims. Studies by organizations like Human........