India is currently in the spotlight as it hosts the Group of 20 (G20) summit. However, behind the scenes of this prestigious event, India is grappling with deep-seated divisions and religious violence that threaten to hinder its economic ambitions.
The country’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is striving to transform India into a developed nation and a global power. India is currently the world’s fastest-growing major economy and has a young and digitally savvy workforce. It is also seeking to position itself as a diplomatic power amidst the competition between the United States and China.
However, Mr. Modi’s efforts to rally and elevate the Hindu majority have marginalized millions of Muslims and other minorities. Sectarian clashes and religious violence have become increasingly common, leaving the country’s Muslims and Christians in a state of fear and alienation. Mr. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which espouses Hindu nationalism, has been accused of stoking these divisions.
The recent violence in the Nuh district, where the G20 resort is located, is just one example of the deep-seated tensions in Indian society. A religious march organized by a right-wing Hindu organization, closely affiliated with the BJP, sparked the clashes in this Muslim-majority district. Five people were killed, and homes and shops were bulldozed without due process.
While Mr. Modi’s economic reforms have streamlined taxes and ushered in a digital revolution, the benefits of this growth have not been felt by the majority of Indians. The country’s average income remains in the world’s bottom third, alongside countries like Congo.
For India to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, Mr. Modi must address the deep divisions within Indian society. Critics argue that his brand of Hindu nationalism is taking India down a dangerous path, similar to that of neighboring Pakistan. The government’s overt support for extremist positions and the virality of violence through social media have created a sustained threat to stability.
As the G20 summit takes place and India showcases itself to the world, the question remains whether Mr. Modi’s economic ambitions can overcome the growing instability caused by his religious nationalism. The future of India as a global power will depend on how effectively it reconciles its diverse society and addresses the deep-rooted divisions within.