A Critical Study of Hindutva Ideology and its Role in Transforming India’s Foreign Policy

Abstract

To advance India's broader foreign policy agenda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used this leverage. However, a foreign policy based on nationalism does not necessarily serve the national interest. It may be observed that, as New Delhi attempts to expand its global influence, structural differences with established powers are increasingly becoming apparent. Furthermore, Indian public opinion, driven by Hindutva agenda has begun to pressure political leaders to take dogmatic positions, sacrifice diplomatic flexibility and undermine long-term national interests by magnifying minor differences. This article reflects the irony of India’s growing ambition. on the one hand, India is rising as one of world’s largest democracies and other hand, unchecked Hindu nationalism and Hindutva- driven public opinion may make harder for the country to achieve its strategic goals.