Modi 3.0: ISSI Panel Highlights Declining Pluralism and Rising Majoritarianism in India

Islamabad: The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a high-level Round Table discussion on Monday to evaluate the first year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term in office, focusing on India’s domestic governance, foreign policy ambitions, and implications for Pakistan.

The session, titled “One Year of Modi 3.0 ,India’s Foreign Policy Ambitions and Domestic Governance”, was organised by the India Study Centre (ISC) at ISSI. Senior diplomats, academics, think-tank experts, and area specialists attended the event. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, delivered the welcome remarks. Dr. Raashid Wali Janjua analysed the internal political landscape under Modi 3.0, while Ambassador Riffat Masood spoke on India’s foreign policy. Former Foreign Minister Ambassador Inam ul Haque was among the distinguished participants.

Erosion of Pluralism and Polarisation in India

Speakers noted that since early 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has faced political setbacks at home and a decline in India’s global image. They highlighted increasing political, social, economic, and ethnic polarisation, along with the shrinking space for religious minorities — particularly Muslims — under new migration laws, voter list revisions, and the controversial Waqf bill.

The “saffronisation” of state institutions such as the Planning Commission, Election Commission, judiciary, and armed forces was described as a defining feature of the Modi era. Participants also pointed out an emerging rift between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP leadership over internal party matters and Modi’s leadership beyond the age of 75.

India’s Mindset Towards Pakistan

Panelists stressed that understanding the Indian political mindset is crucial for shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy. They argued that the BJP leadership continues to pursue the RSS vision of Akhand Bharat and uses anti-Pakistan rhetoric during election campaigns to fuel nationalism.

Although relations between India and the United States have experienced tensions, experts agreed that the partnership is institutionalised and will remain intact due to mutual strategic interests. They noted that President Trump’s administration appears more balanced towards Pakistan compared to the Biden era.

Kashmir and Indus Waters Treaty Dispute

Participants warned that under Modi, the cultural and religious identity of Jammu and Kashmir is at risk. They urged Pakistan to proactively raise the Kashmir dispute at all international forums, including the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.

On the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which India has decided to hold in abeyance, experts emphasised that Pakistan should assert its rights under international law, explore legal and diplomatic avenues, and invest in building new water reservoirs while improving domestic water management.

Security and Strategic Preparedness

The forum cautioned that India’s claim that “Operation Sindoor” is still ongoing demands Pakistan’s vigilance. It stressed the need to counter any potential false flag operations and to dispel the dangerous notion in India that conventional war can be waged under the nuclear threshold. Strengthening Pakistan’s economy, defence, and deterrence capabilities was highlighted as paramount.

The discussion concluded with a vote of thanks from Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors.