MODI'S HINDUTVA POLICY: IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY

Abstract

This study investigates the internal and regional effects of the Hindutva ideology that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has institutionalized. With contentious policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the repeal of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, Hindutva—which has its roots in Hindu nationalism—has progressively influenced India's political and social landscape. These actions have widened rifts between communities and sparked worries about India's democracy eroding. Geopolitical tensions have increased at the regional level as a result of the Modi government's aggressive posture, tough stance toward Pakistan, and waning commitment to regional multilateralism. A wider trend toward a unilateral and ideologically motivated foreign policy is indicated by the tense relations with countries like Bangladesh and Nepal. According to the research's qualitative analysis, the development of Hindutva under Modi is threatening South Asian peace and cooperation in addition to upending India's secular democracy. In order to maintain democratic principles and regional stability, the report urges a reassessment of ideologically motivated measures.