India, a country with a rich history and diverse culture, has undergone significant changes in its foreign and domestic policies since Narendra Modi took office as Prime Minister in 2014. Modi’s government has pursued an ambitious strategy that promotes internationalism abroad while fostering a strong sense of nationalism at home. This duality has become a defining characteristic of Modi’s tenure, with a focus on expanding India’s global influence and reshaping the nation’s identity domestically.
This article explores how the Modi government has balanced these two seemingly contrasting approaches—internationalism in foreign policy and nationalism in domestic affairs—by examining the factors behind these policies, key initiatives, and their implications for India’s future.
India’s Internationalism Abroad
Since coming to power, Modi has significantly transformed India’s foreign policy. His vision for India’s role on the global stage is characterized by increased engagement with both traditional partners and new allies. India’s internationalism under Modi has been marked by active participation in multilateral organizations, strategic partnerships with major global powers, and efforts to assert India’s influence in regional and global affairs.
1. Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
One of the key pillars of India’s internationalism is the strengthening of strategic partnerships with major powers such as the United States, Russia, and Japan. Modi has worked to deepen ties with these nations, focusing on defense cooperation, trade, and technological collaboration.
For example, the Indo-US relationship has grown significantly under Modi, particularly in defense and security. The signing of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 and the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018 has paved the way for greater military cooperation between the two nations. The Modi government has also worked to align India with the Quad, a strategic grouping of the US, Japan, Australia, and India, aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
At the same time, Modi has maintained strong ties with Russia, emphasizing the long-standing India-Russia partnership, particularly in defense. Despite pressure from the West to distance itself from Moscow, India has continued to procure Russian military equipment, including the S-400 missile defense system.
2. Active Role in Multilateral Forums
India’s internationalism is also reflected in its active participation in multilateral organizations and forums. Under Modi, India has taken on a more assertive role in institutions such as the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the G20. Modi has positioned India as a voice for developing nations, advocating for reforms in global governance structures and pushing for more equitable trade practices.
Additionally, Modi’s government has championed global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which aims to promote the use of solar energy in developing countries, and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a global movement for environmentally sustainable living launched at the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27).
India’s internationalism is further demonstrated by its push for greater regional integration through organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Modi’s government has emphasized regional connectivity, trade, and security cooperation, aiming to position India as a regional leader in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
3. Diplomatic Engagement in the Indo-Pacific
India’s foreign policy under Modi has also been shaped by the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific region. Modi’s government has adopted the Act East Policy, an evolution of the earlier Look East Policy, which emphasizes deeper engagement with Southeast Asia and East Asia. This policy is aimed at countering China’s increasing influence in the region while fostering economic and security ties with key players such as Japan, Vietnam, and Australia.
The Indo-Pacific has become a central focus of India’s internationalism, as the region’s economic and strategic importance continues to grow. India’s involvement in the Quad, its naval presence in the Indian Ocean, and its participation in regional forums like the East Asia Summit all point to Modi’s vision of India as a major player in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific.
Nationalism at Home
While Modi has pursued internationalism abroad, his domestic policies have been marked by a strong sense of nationalism. The Modi government has emphasized the idea of a “New India,” rooted in cultural pride, economic self-reliance, and a unified national identity. This nationalism has manifested in various aspects of India’s domestic policy, including economic initiatives, cultural revivalism, and political rhetoric.
1. Economic Nationalism: Make in India
A cornerstone of Modi’s domestic agenda has been economic nationalism, embodied by the Make in India initiative launched in 2014. This program aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by encouraging both foreign and domestic companies to produce goods in India. The goal is to reduce India’s reliance on imports, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
The Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) campaign, introduced in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, further underscores Modi’s economic nationalism. This initiative seeks to promote self-sufficiency by boosting domestic production, particularly in critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals, defense, and technology. Modi has framed these economic policies as essential for ensuring India’s sovereignty and independence in an increasingly globalized world.
2. Cultural and Religious Nationalism
Modi’s nationalism also extends to cultural and religious revivalism, particularly through the promotion of Hindu identity and heritage. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which Modi leads, has deep roots in Hindu nationalist ideology. Under Modi’s leadership, the government has sought to promote a sense of national pride tied to India’s Hindu heritage.
One of the most symbolic acts of this cultural nationalism was the 2019 Supreme Court ruling that allowed the construction of a Hindu temple on the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, a site that had been the focus of religious and political conflict for decades. The temple’s construction is seen by many as a victory for Hindu nationalism and a fulfillment of a long-standing BJP promise.
Additionally, Modi’s government has implemented policies aimed at promoting India’s cultural heritage, such as initiatives to preserve ancient Indian languages, promote traditional arts and crafts, and highlight historical figures and events that resonate with the Hindu nationalist narrative.
3. Political Nationalism and Polarization
Politically, Modi’s nationalism has been characterized by a focus on centralizing power and promoting a unified national identity. The government has sought to portray itself as the defender of India’s sovereignty and cultural integrity, often framing opposition parties as weak or divisive.
Modi’s political nationalism has been accompanied by growing polarization within Indian society. The BJP’s policies, such as the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to the Muslim-majority region of Jammu and Kashmir, and the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), have sparked widespread protests and accusations of discrimination against religious minorities, particularly Muslims.
The government’s use of nationalist rhetoric, particularly around issues of security and identity, has resonated with many Indians but has also led to increasing social tensions and divisions. Critics argue that Modi’s brand of nationalism is exclusionary and undermines India’s pluralistic and secular traditions.
The Intersection of Internationalism and Nationalism
While Modi’s internationalism abroad and nationalism at home may seem at odds, they are, in fact, deeply intertwined. Modi has framed India’s rising global influence as a reflection of its cultural and civilizational greatness, positioning India as a moral and spiritual leader on the world stage. His foreign policy initiatives are often couched in nationalist terms, portraying India as a strong, independent nation that is reclaiming its rightful place in the global order.
At the same time, Modi’s domestic nationalism reinforces his international agenda by promoting the idea that a strong, self-reliant India can be a powerful force in global affairs. His economic policies, such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, aim to bolster India’s global competitiveness while appealing to nationalist sentiments at home.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act
Under Narendra Modi, India has embarked on a unique balancing act, promoting internationalism abroad while fostering nationalism at home. This dual approach has allowed Modi to position India as a rising global power while maintaining strong domestic support based on cultural pride and economic self-reliance. However, this balancing act also presents challenges, particularly as India grapples with growing domestic polarization and the complexities of an increasingly multipolar world.
As Modi continues to navigate these challenges, the success of his government’s policies will depend on its ability to reconcile India’s nationalist aspirations with its international ambitions. Whether India can maintain this balance in the long term remains to be seen, but for now, Modi’s approach has fundamentally reshaped India’s role on the global stage and its identity at home.
