India’s Efforts to Erase Muslim Identity and RAW’s Terror Network

Under Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has become increasingly isolated due to its actions both at home and abroad. The ongoing effort to erase Muslim contributions from India’s history, combined with the use of its intelligence agency, RAW, in transnational repression, has raised serious global concerns. This article critically examines India’s actions and the international consequences of its policies.

Erasing Muslim Legacy: Iqbal’s Poetry Removed from Curriculum

India is erasing Muslim contributions to its history. Recently, Delhi University decided to remove the poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a celebrated philosopher and poet, from its curriculum. Iqbal, whose anthem “Sare Jahan Se Acha” has inspired generations, is now labeled “anti-India” by the government. Delhi University’s Vice-Chancellor, Yogesh Singh, justified this by claiming Iqbal’s views changed after writing the anthem, a move that disregards his historical contributions.

A Politically Motivated Move to Rewrite History

Singh’s reasoning reveals a broader agenda to rewrite history. By removing Iqbal’s work, the government is erasing the Muslim identity from India’s intellectual heritage. This isn’t an academic decision but a political one, designed to push an ideological agenda. This move not only removes Iqbal’s voice but also silences diverse thought and weakens the country’s pluralistic identity.

Undermining India’s Diverse Cultural Heritage

The removal of Iqbal’s poetry is part of a larger effort to erase the rich diversity of India’s past. India’s intellectual and cultural history is shaped by many communities, including Muslims, and their contributions are essential to understanding the country’s development. By pushing this exclusionary agenda, the government threatens to erase a significant part of India’s national identity.

RAW’s Extrajudicial Operations: Modi’s Global Terror Network

Alongside efforts to erase Muslim history, the Modi government has used India’s intelligence agency, RAW, to carry out covert operations and extrajudicial killings targeting political opponents, both in India and abroad. RAW’s increasing involvement in acts of violence against dissidents reveals the growing authoritarianism of Modi’s government.

Violating International Law: The Assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar

One of the most alarming incidents was the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June 2023. Canadian authorities confirmed that Indian agents, posing as diplomats, were involved in the killing. This brazen act of violence not only violates Canadian law but also undermines the principles of state sovereignty and international law. The targeting of political dissidents abroad demonstrates India’s willingness to use violence to suppress opposition.

RAW’s Growing Role in Transnational Repression

The attempted assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States further exposed India’s use of terror tactics abroad. These actions are part of a broader pattern of RAW’s operations targeting activists who criticize the Modi regime. India’s extrajudicial activities go beyond Canada and the US, extending to regions like Kashmir, where India has long been accused of committing human rights abuses.

State-Sponsored Terrorism: RAW’s Regional and Global Operations

RAW’s involvement in violent acts abroad is part of a larger strategy to destabilize countries that oppose Modi’s policies. The arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan, and his disclosures, revealed India’s efforts to destabilize Pakistan through subversive activities. These incidents show that India is increasingly using state-sponsored terrorism to pursue its political goals, undermining peace and security in the region and beyond.

Modi’s Authoritarian Shift: Suppressing Dissent

The use of state terrorism is part of Modi’s broader authoritarian shift. By consolidating power within the BJP and suppressing political opposition, Modi is weakening India’s democratic institutions. The increasing control over the judiciary, the media, and civil society organizations signals a move toward a more authoritarian regime. India’s shift toward authoritarianism is not just a domestic issue but has far-reaching consequences for regional and global stability.

India’s Declining Global Reputation

India’s actions are contributing to its declining global reputation. Its indirect support for Russia, combined with its growing authoritarianism at home, is alienating key international allies. As India continues to use violence and repression to silence opposition, it risks becoming a pariah on the world stage. Modi’s policies are tarnishing India’s image and diminishing its influence in global affairs.

The International Community’s Responsibility

The international community must hold India accountable for its actions. From the suppression of its Muslim heritage to the use of terror tactics by RAW, India’s conduct violates international norms and human rights. Countries must recognize the growing threat posed by India’s government and take action to address its violations of international law and democratic principles.

India’s Economic Position

India’s internal and external policies are also putting its economic future in jeopardy. As India grows more isolated diplomatically, it risks losing valuable trade partners and foreign investments. The erosion of democratic norms and the use of state-sponsored violence are creating an uncertain future for India’s economy, which could lead to slower growth and increased instability.

India’s Human Rights Violations: A Global Concern

The human rights situation in India is rapidly worsening under Modi’s rule. The government’s crackdown on dissent, the growing oppression of religious minorities, and the targeting of political dissidents are all contributing to a global human rights crisis. The international community must hold India accountable for these violations to prevent further harm and ensure that justice is served.

Conclusion: Holding India Accountable for Its Actions

India’s growing authoritarianism, its erasure of Muslim contributions to its history, and its use of state-sponsored terror abroad are unacceptable and cannot be ignored. The international community must take a strong stance against these actions and hold India accountable for its violations of international law, human rights, and democratic principles. Only by doing so can the global community prevent further harm and ensure that India’s actions do not destabilize the region or undermine global peace.