Are India’s domestic policies affecting international strategy?

India’s global image and relations with its neighbours suffer when government officials
or party spokespeople make derogatory remarks about religious minorities, particularly
Muslims.

Controversies—such as those sparked by anti-Muslim hate speech or the
marginalization of minority groups—have led to formal condemnations from multiple
Islamic nations and economic reprisals, straining India’s diplomatic and economic tie with the Gulf states and other Muslim-majority countries.

Laws and policies, including the Citizenship Amendment Act and the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's autonomy, are perceived as exclusionary and have invited international criticism and concern.

Fake news and misinformation, especially by national media during periods of
communal unrest, further aggravate diplomatic relations.

Sensationalist or inaccurate reporting about religious violence or minority persecution intensifies mistrust with neighbouring countries by creating a negative atmosphere of suspicion and
misunderstanding.

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National media and pro-right influencers in India have been accused of spreading fake
news and misinformation, especially during periods of regional crisis.

For example, Indian media outlets have at times sensationalized social unrest in neighbouring
countries like Bangladesh, often amplifying communal narratives that intensify mistrust
between populations.

Such reporting is criticized by officials in neighbouring countries and even within India itself, who warn that these narratives are communally inflammatory and lack fact-checking.

This misinformation cycle fuels a people-to-people divide and disrupts efforts at diplomatic reconciliation.

India’s aspiration to be a global leader and “Vishwaguru” is undermined by questions
about religious freedom and pluralism at home.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has repeatedly
flagged India’s increasing religious intolerance and called for international attention.

Diplomatic partners in the West and South Asia are increasingly concerned about the
mismatch between India’s pluralistic democratic ideals and divisive domestic political
practices.

A constructive path for India’s government and national media lies in reaffirming its
strong democratic and pluralistic traditions.

Strengthen legal safeguards for minority rights and ensure that law enforcement
protects vulnerable communities from hate crimes.

Encourage national media outlets to adopt stringent fact-checking and reporting
standards.

Training journalists to resist hate speech and misinformation helps rebuild
public trust domestically and abroad.

Expand interfaith dialogue and grassroots campaigns that promote communal
harmony. Political and religious leaders should publicly reject hate speech and
violence, demonstrating commitment to inclusivity.

The government should transparently address international concerns about intolerance
and misinformation, showing willingness to learn from democratic partners and uphold
human rights.

India’s long history of religious pluralism and tolerance makes such reforms not just
possible but essential for restoring its standing and constructive influence in the region.

Religious intolerance and fake news erode India’s foreign policy effectiveness with
neighbouring countries, undermining trust and soft power. Embracing responsible
media, minority protections, and interfaith harmony is a positive way out in
strengthening India’s democracy at home and its diplomacy abroad.

It’s high time for India to step up as the Big Brother of the region and lend a hand to those in need.
However, the question remains-“Can Indian domestic politics transcend religious
divisiveness?”

(The author is a political observer)