Lecture of Opportunity - In India Democracy is in Death Bed
Channel: U.S. Naval War College
Date: 2023-10-23

This Lecture of Opportunity took place on October 16, 2023. 

The views presented by the faculty or other guest speakers do not reflect official positions of the Naval War College, DON or DOD.

Background:
For nearly seven decades, India had commanded global respect for nurturing democracy amidst the challenging backdrop of widespread poverty, illiteracy, and immense ethnic diversity. But, not anymore. Contrary to historical trends where democracies often fell victim to military coups or radical uprisings, the subversion of democracy in India is now orchestrated by its own populist Hindu right-wing leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the past decade, an extensive and unrelenting assault on freedom of speech has unfolded within the nation. The suppression of peaceful democratic protests has become commonplace, marked by the employment of brutal police force and partisan party members acting with impunity. Amidst the patronage of the Modi government, the para-military Hindu organization, RSS, has risen to a position of considerable influence in India's cultural, social, and political realms. While the Hindu nationalist administration does not explicitly reject India's secular constitution, it unreservedly ridicules the nation's secular laws and norms. It is evident that the government's aspiration is to mold India into a theocratic Hindu state.  There exists little room for doubt that India, despite its outward appearance of democracy and elected leadership, is grappling with a deteriorating democratic foundation. In the world's most populous democracy, the very bedrock of democratic principles has eroded, raising concerns about the nation's future trajectory.