Tag: ModiSpeech

Human rights and religious freedom in India saw a significant decline throughout 2024, marked by the implementation of discriminatory policies, an increase in hate crimes, cow-related lynchings, inflammatory speeches during India’s general elections, instances of police brutality, and transnational repression, according to an annual report by the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) released today.

The report details systemic violence and discrimination against Indian minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and Kashmiris, by documenting some of the most egregious acts committed against these groups over the year. However, the repression extended beyond India’s borders, as the government’s transnational efforts to silence dissent also impacted members of the Indian diaspora in the United States and Canada.

Before and after securing a third consecutive term, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and their Hindu nationalist supporters played a role in fostering discrimination and violence against minorities and vulnerable communities. Notably, there were multiple instances in which law enforcement, acting either on the orders of the government or Hindu nationalist groups, engaged in violence against minority populations. Two significant instances of police brutality against Muslim demonstrators occurred in 2024—first in January in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, where six people were killed, and later in November in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where five were shot dead. In both cases, police fired upon Muslim protestors exercising their right to dissent.

Several new discriminatory policies were introduced at both state and national levels. Among these was the Uniform Civil Code implemented in Uttarakhand, which compels religious minorities to abide by common laws on personal matters such as marriage and divorce, undermining their religious autonomy. Another measure, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, seeks to alter regulations governing Muslim community-owned waqf properties, reducing control over historic mosques, dargahs, and graveyards. Additionally, various directives from law enforcement and local governments required all food vendors to display their names prominently, making Muslim-owned businesses more vulnerable to attacks and boycotts. These measures were enacted amid growing concerns over judicial independence, leaving minorities with diminishing legal protections against explicitly discriminatory policies.

During the 2024 electoral cycle, the BJP frequently engaged in illegal tactics to polarize the electorate and weaken the opposition. BJP candidates and their allies relied on hate speech throughout their campaigns and facilitated the arrests of opposition leaders, in clear violation of Indian election laws, without facing consequences. Reports from the general election and subsequent bypolls indicated widespread voter suppression, particularly targeting Muslims and other minority groups. Voters described incidents of violence at polling stations, intimidation by law enforcement, and manipulation of voter rolls designed to disenfranchise minority communities.

Hindu militant groups continued to perpetrate violence against Muslims throughout the year, with attacks on individuals, neighborhoods, and places of worship intensifying around Hindu festivals. The consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in January, built on the site where the Babri Mosque was demolished, triggered nationwide violence against Muslims. Following this event, Hindu nationalist groups launched a wave of legal challenges seeking to convert Muslim religious sites into Hindu temples. Additionally, Muslim places of worship were frequently targeted by vandals during Hindu religious processions.

Muslim-owned businesses, homes, and religious sites were also subject to unlawful demolition drives under the pretext of removing “encroachments,” often serving as retaliatory actions.

Press freedom continued to suffer as the government maintained control over mainstream media, fostering an environment of censorship and misinformation. During the lead-up to India’s general elections, mainstream media played a role in promoting anti-Muslim rhetoric. Rather than holding Modi accountable for his controversial speeches, news outlets instead focused on praising him, discrediting political rivals, and stoking divisions between Hindus and minorities. The government also actively suppressed content critical of Hindu nationalism and the administration, blocking social media accounts, removing posts, and restricting access to documentaries and articles. Additionally, prominent right-wing figures orchestrated disinformation campaigns against journalists who criticized the Modi administration.

Hindu extremist groups instigated riots in Muslim-majority areas, particularly during Hindu religious celebrations. Mob lynchings continued, often under the guise of protecting cows, with victims predominantly belonging to Muslim and Dalit communities. The lack of consequences for cow vigilante groups underscored the ongoing collaboration between Hindu extremist organizations and law enforcement.

The Indian government also extended its repression beyond its borders, targeting members of the Indian diaspora, including in the United States. In August 2024, a gunman attacked three Sikh separatist activists in Sacramento, an incident that human rights organizations suspect was another assassination attempt backed by the Indian government. Additionally, the Modi administration continued its efforts to censor social media accounts and websites operated by individuals in the diaspora critical of the government.

“Our report illustrates the scale and severity of anti-minority violence that is being perpetuated daily by Hindu supremacists in India,” stated IAMC Executive Director Rasheed Ahmed. “The takeaway is clear: even with Modi’s marginal loss of power following the 2024 elections, Hindu militant groups remain emboldened, law enforcement remains largely beholden to extremists, and the judiciary remains compromised.”

IAMC President Mohammed Jawad also condemned the ongoing repression, stating, “It’s clear that the Modi regime feels a sense of impunity—not only in the way it so ruthlessly enacts violence against its own citizens, but also seeks to silence and repress our communities in the diaspora.” He further urged the U.S. government to take action, asserting, “It is the United States government’s responsibility to protect its citizens by using the appropriate diplomatic tools—including sanctions—to send a strong message to the Modi regime.”

The 2024 United Christian Forum (UCF) report has sounded an alarm, warning of a dire situation for the Christian community in India. If immediate measures are not taken through political will and government intervention, the report warns, the community could face an existential crisis in their homeland well before 2050.

The statistics reflect a troubling trend, with reported attacks against Christians surging from 127 in 2014 to 834 by December 2024. According to UCF officials, the states of Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have emerged as epicenters of hostility, marked by rampant mob violence, hate campaigns, and social ostracization. Disturbingly, the report suggests that elements within the law enforcement and judicial systems are complicit in this growing wave of violence.

“These numbers only scratch the surface,” said UCF representatives, referring to the 209 cases reported in Uttar Pradesh and 165 in Chhattisgarh in 2024. Many incidents go unreported, as victims fear retaliation in an environment of impunity and political favoritism. Across the country, the true number of such crimes could be three to ten times higher than what is officially recorded.

The UCF report highlights a pervasive atmosphere of fear among Christians. This fear stems from cultural policing that dictates who qualifies as a true Indian or loyal citizen, often targeting those deemed outsiders. Christians are increasingly isolated and victimized under this framework. Innocent pastors, their families, and even children have been imprisoned, with over a hundred individuals still languishing in jail. Bail is frequently denied, and the slow judicial process itself has become a form of punishment.

“This is a crisis unfolding before our eyes,” warns the UCF. The report raises concerns about India’s global reputation as a democracy that upholds the rule of law and guarantees individual rights. “The Christian community, which has long been a peaceful and integral part of India’s diverse society, is now living in fear,” said Dr. Michael Williams, President of UCF. He emphasized that the rising attacks are not just statistics but represent real human suffering, with families and communities being torn apart.

The situation worsened during the Christmas season of 2024, which witnessed a spike in violence. Fourteen separate attacks targeted Christian gatherings during this period, adding to the community’s distress. In response to this escalation, over 400 senior Christian leaders and 30 Church groups submitted an appeal to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 31, 2024. Their letter urged the nation’s leadership to act decisively to halt the persecution of Christians.

The UCF’s annual report documented 834 incidents of violence in 2024. However, only 392 of these complaints were registered as First Information Reports (FIRs). This discrepancy is attributed to the discretion granted to police officers, who determine whether a complaint merits an FIR for further investigation and trial.

The data paints a grim picture of the toll these incidents have taken on vulnerable groups within the Christian community. Women, Dalits, and Tribals have been disproportionately affected, with 154 women, 342 Dalits, and 354 Tribals recorded as victims of these attacks.

A closer analysis of the violence reveals the following breakdown:

• 149 physical assaults
• 209 cases of property damage
• 798 incidents involving intimidation, threats, and harassment
• 331 instances where religious assemblies were disrupted

The UCF calls for greater transparency in the enforcement of laws designed to protect religious freedom and minority rights. “Only through transparent and unbiased investigations, followed by fair trials, can accountability be ensured,” the organization stated. The demand underscores the need for integrity in law enforcement and the judicial process to counter the current climate of impunity.

As the situation stands, the Christian community faces a precarious future in India. While outreach efforts by the government, including interactions with Christian leaders in Kerala, New Delhi, and other regions, are noted, the UCF insists that these gestures must translate into concrete actions to protect a community that has contributed peacefully to India’s rich cultural fabric.

The report concludes by urging all stakeholders to recognize the brewing crisis and act decisively to prevent further deterioration. The stakes are high, not just for the Christian community but for the values of pluralism and democracy that India represents on the global stage.

New Delhi, 31 December 2024:

Shocked by the surge in violence against Christians in general and especially during Christmas prayers and celebrations, over 400 senior Christian leaders and 30 church groups have submitted an urgent appeal to President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The appeal calls for immediate and decisive action to curb the activities of violent mobs that have targeted Christian gatherings across the country, terrorizing communities and tarnishing the image of Bharat and the Union Government.

During this Christmas season alone, at least 14 incidents targeting Christians were reported, ranging from threats and disruptions to arrests and outright attacks, underscoring an alarming trend of rising intolerance and hostility.

Prominent signatories of the appeal include Bishop Thomas Abraham, Bishop David Onesimu, Bishop Joab Lohara, Rev Dr. Richard Howell, Sr. Mary Scaria, Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ, Dr. John Dayal, Fr. Prakash Louis SJ, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, Rev Dr EH Kharkongor, Mr. Allen Brooks, Rev. K Losii Mao, Rev. Dr. Akhilesh Edgar, Dr. Michael Willams, Mr. A C Michael and Rev. Vijayesh Lal, along with 400 other influential Christian leaders from the nation. Noted civil rights activist Shabnam Hashmi also signed the letter in solidarity.

The appeal points to troubling statistics from organizations like the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFIRLC) and the United Christian Forum (UCF). Between January and mid-December 2024, over 720 incidents of violence targeting Christians were reported to the EFIRLC, with 760 cases recorded by UCF by the end of November.

The appeal focuses on systemic concerns, including:

• ⁠⁠The misuse of anti-conversion laws leading to the arrest and harassment of over 110 clergy members.
• ⁠⁠Growing threats to religious freedoms through state actions, such as the implementation of the Healing (Prevention and Evil) Act, 2024, in Assam.
• ⁠⁠Escalating hate speech and harassment of Christian communities, including restrictions on peaceful prayer meetings and the distribution of religious literature.
• ⁠⁠Exclusionary policies denying Dalit Christians Scheduled Caste status, perpetuating historic injustices.

The Christian leaders also expressed deep concern about the ongoing crisis and violence in Manipur, where over 250 lives have been lost, over 360 churches destroyed, and thousands displaced since May 2023. The appeal urges the Prime Minister to play a visible and active role in fostering peace and reconciliation in the region, emphasizing that the healing of Manipur is crucial for the unity and integrity of India.

The signatories have called on the President and Prime Minister to:

1.⁠⁠Order swift and impartial investigations into incidents targeting religious minorities.

2.⁠⁠Issue clear guidelines to state governments on protecting constitutional rights to religious freedom.

3.⁠⁠Initiate regular dialogue with representatives of all faith communities.

4.⁠⁠Protect the fundamental right to freely profess and practice one’s faith.

The appeal reiterates that inclusivity and harmony are vital not only for the moral fabric of the nation but also for its economic and social prosperity. The statement concludes with an assurance of prayers for the country’s leaders and a commitment to building a united, peaceful, and prosperous India.

Enclosed

1. Text of Letter to President Murmu and Prime minister Narendra Modi
2. List of prominent signatories

List of major church groups endorsing the letter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a Christmas gathering organized by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) in New Delhi, emphasized the importance of harmony and non-violence in society. However, incidents of vandalism and intimidation surrounding Christmas celebrations in Kerala’s Palakkad and Alappuzha districts painted a contrasting picture.

In Palakkad, two incidents involving members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) disrupted Christmas festivities. In another incident in Alappuzha, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker allegedly intimidated individuals spreading Christmas messages. These acts have drawn condemnation from leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who described them as isolated events that must not be condoned.

On December 23, unidentified individuals vandalized a Christmas crib at the Government Boys School in Thathamangalam, Palakkad. The Chittoor police registered a case following a complaint by the school authorities, but no arrests have been made. A VHP leader alleged that Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) members were responsible for the act.

Three days earlier, on December 20, three VHP members disrupted Christmas celebrations at the Government Upper Primary School in Nallepilly, Palakkad. Reports suggest that they barged into the school, questioned teachers about the absence of celebrations for Hindu festivals like Sree Krishna Jayanti, and objected to the use of Santa Claus costumes by teachers.

The Chittoor police arrested three individuals—Anilkumar, Susasanan, and K. Velayudan—on December 21 in connection with the disruption. BJP Palakkad district president KM Haridas distanced the party from the accused, stating, “None of them are connected to the BJP.”

Meanwhile, Raveendran, the secretary of the VHP’s Palakkad Vibhag, acknowledged their affiliation with the VHP but claimed the incident was misreported. “The CPI(M), Congress, and SDPI have twisted the narrative. Our workers only questioned why students were made to stand in the scorching sun for the celebrations and whether similar efforts would be made for Sree Krishna Jayanthi or Nabi Dinam. The circulating news is misleading and inaccurate,” Raveendran explained.

In Alappuzha, a separate incident occurred on December 23 involving an RSS worker, Ratheesh Kumar, who objected to a group delivering Christmas messages in Karthikapalli. While no formal complaint was filed, a video of the confrontation surfaced online.

These incidents stood in stark contrast to the Christmas message of harmony conveyed by the Prime Minister during the CBCI event. Reacting to these events, Yuhanon Meletius, Metropolitan Bishop of the Thrissur diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, expressed his dismay on Facebook. “While bishops are being honoured and the Christmas crib is revered in one place, here the crib is vandalized. There is a saying in Malayalam for such an approach,” he remarked.

BJP state president K Surendran strongly condemned the acts in Palakkad during a media interaction following his meeting with Thamarassery Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil in Kozhikode. “I strongly condemn this. Such actions should not be encouraged in any way. Strong action must be taken against those responsible,” he stated.

1. Muraleedharan, BJP leader and former Union minister, echoed similar sentiments, describing the events as isolated. “I am certain the BJP does not support such activities. Our position is clear and is reflected in the Prime Minister’s participation in the CBCI celebrations,” he asserted.

While the Prime Minister’s visit to the CBCI highlighted a gesture of goodwill towards the Christian community, the incidents in Kerala revealed ongoing tensions and raised questions about the sincerity of efforts to foster harmony.

BJP leaders and Hindu nationalist ideologues are stating that the Indian Constitution has been based on Western values, a colonial imprint on our society; it is a break from India’s civilization and culture. They also argue that the constitution and its application is the appeasement of Muslim minorities for vote bank purposes that has been done by the Congress Party.

As we know the constitution was the outcome of the values which emerged during the freedom movement. It also kept in mind the long tradition of our civilization. The understanding of our civilization is very different for those who participated in the freedom movement, those who stand for its ideology and those who kept aloof from the anti colonial movement and bowed to the British rulers. While the freedom movement saw India as a plural nation with rich diversities, those who stood aloof saw the civilization as Hindu civilization. For them pluralism is a diversion and imposition by the educated, modern leaders.

Even RSS combine forgets that what they call as Hindu civilization is undermining the contributions of Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism to our civilization. Even the interpretation of Lord Ram, their major icon, is so diverse for Kabir, who saw the Lord as Universal spirit, for Gandhi who saw Him as protector of all the people irrespective of their religion in his famous: Ishawar Allah Tero Naam (Allah and Iswar are same). Jawaharlal Nehru saw India, Bharat Mata, in ‘The Discovery of India’, as an “ancient palimpsest on which layer upon layer of thought and reverie had been inscribed, and yet no succeeding layer had completely hidden or erased what had been written previously.” With great pride he recalled the rule of Emperor Ashok, who in many edicts itched on stones talked of equal treatment for Vedic Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivikas.

This is the core difference between RSS combine and its ideologues that see India as exclusively Brahmanical Hindu, and those like Gandhi and Nehru as a country belonging to all the people. Indian Constituent Assembly mainly represented the stream which struggled against the British, the national stream, while RSS was a marginal stream sticking to ‘India as Brahmanical Hindu nation’. This started getting reflected immediately after the draft of the Indian Constitution. While Ambedkar and Nehru were cautious and stated the implementation of its basic structure should be ensured by those ruling the country. PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998, formed Venkatchaliah Commission to review the constitution. Dr. K.R. Narayanan, the then President of India aptly remarked “it is not that Constitution that has failed us; it is we who have failed the constitution! This is so true particularly after the rule of the Modi Government. It is during this period that though the Constitution has not been changed as such, though many from the RSS camp have expressed their wish to do so, without getting reprimanded from the top leadership. This was most blatantly stated to back up their slogan of 400 Par (More than 400 seats in Parliament), meaning that we want so many seats so that we can change the Constitution.

The blatant rise of Hate speech, lately most clearly stated by sitting Judge of Allahabad High Court, Shekhar Kumar Yadav, when participating in the VHP’s meeting stated “The country will run as per the wishes of its majority.

Justice Yadav made the remarks while delivering an address on the “Constitutional Necessity of Uniform Civil Code”. “Only what benefits the welfare and happiness of the majority will be accepted,” Yadav said.

Worse than his stating so, has been the statement of Yogi Aditynath, the UP CM, who supported Yadav’ utterances. Mercifully the Supreme Court has taken cognizance of Yadav’s communal hate speech. Who will take cognizance of Yogi’s supporting him?

Commenting on the current state of Affairs Justice Aspi Chinoy made a very apt comment, he said, “The BJP being the government at the Centre and having an absolute and overwhelming majority in Parliament, sees no need to alter the de jure status of India as a secular country and constitution. Being in control of the state and its diverse instrumentalities it has been able to achieve its goal of undermining India’s secular constitution and introduce a hindutva based ethnocracy, even without amending and altering the de jure secular status,”

This sectarianism of ruling BJP goes back to the time when the draft of Constitution was released. Couple of days’ later the RSS mouthpiece (unofficial) Organiser stated on 30th November 1949. “The worst [thing] about the new Constitution of Bharat is that there is nothing Bharatiya about it… [T]here is no trace of ancient Bharatiya constitutional laws, institutions, nomenclature and phraseology in it”. Meaning that Manusmriti has been ignored by makers of the Indian Constitution!

The father of Hindu Nationalist politics, V D Savarkar was quoted by Rahul Gandhi while participating in debate, “The worst thing about the Constitution of India is that there is nothing Indian about it. Manusmriti is that scripture which is most worshippable after Vedas for our Hindu nation and from which our ancient times have become the basis for our culture, customs, thought and practice.” Stating Manusmriti is the law today.

The crux of the matter comes to the surface when we compare the chief of the drafting committee of Indian Constitution Ambedkar and one of the RSS Sarsanghchalk, K. Sudarshan. Ambedkar burnt the Manusmiriti and drafted the Indian Constitution. RSS Chief went on the label Indian Constitution as being based on Western Values and need to bring Indian Constitution based on Indian Holy book!

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised allegations against the U.S. State Department and certain “deep state” elements within the U.S. government, accusing them of attempting to destabilize India in collaboration with a group of investigative journalists and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. This accusation is particularly surprising given the strong bilateral relationship that has been forged between New Delhi and Washington over the last two decades, with both nations vowing to deepen their ties despite some existing differences and issues.

The BJP’s accusations are linked to the Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi, which has used articles published by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) to target Prime Minister Modi and his government’s alleged ties to the Adani Group. The articles, according to the BJP, “singularly focused” on the Adani Group and its alleged closeness to the government. These articles were used by the Congress party to undermine the reputation of Modi and the BJP. On December 5, the BJP condemned Gandhi’s use of OCCRP’s reports to further his political agenda.

The reports from OCCRP have claimed that Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, and seven other individuals were indicted in the U.S. last month for their involvement in a US$265 billion bribery scheme targeting Indian officials. However, the Adani Group has dismissed these allegations as “baseless.” In addition to these claims, OCCRP’s reports have also accused state-sponsored hackers in India of utilizing the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware to target government critics. The Indian government has strongly denied both of these accusations.

The BJP has previously accused Rahul Gandhi, OCCRP, and the billionaire financier-philanthropist George Soros of orchestrating attacks on Modi. In its latest round of accusations, the BJP cited a report by a French media outlet, which claimed that OCCRP receives funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other figures associated with the “deep state,” such as Soros. According to the BJP, these connections point to a deliberate attempt by the “Deep State” to destabilize India by targeting Prime Minister Modi.

“The Deep State had a clear objective to destabilize India by targeting Prime Minister Modi,” the BJP stated in a series of posts on the social media platform X. The party emphasized its belief that the U.S. State Department has been the driving force behind this effort. The BJP further claimed that OCCRP was merely serving as a tool for this “deep state agenda.” The party used its official media channels to reiterate this position, with Sambit Patra, a national spokesperson for the BJP, echoing these accusations during a press briefing on Thursday.

Patra stated, “A French investigative media group…has revealed that… 50 percent of OCCRP’s funding comes directly from the U.S. State Department,” further asserting that OCCRP was serving as a vehicle for the “deep state agenda” aimed at undermining the Indian government. Despite these serious allegations, neither the U.S. State Department, USAID, Soros, nor the Congress party responded to requests for comment on the BJP’s accusations. Likewise, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs did not offer any comment regarding the ruling party’s claims against the State Department.

In response to these accusations, OCCRP issued a statement affirming its independence as a media outlet. The organization emphasized that while the U.S. government provides some funding to its operations, it does not influence its editorial decisions or reporting processes. “The U.S. government, while providing some funding to OCCRP, has no say in our editorial processes and no control over our reporting,” the statement read, rejecting the idea that the outlet is aligned with any political party or external agenda.

The BJP’s recent allegations come amid increasing scrutiny surrounding the U.S. indictment of Gautam Adani, who has long been seen as a close ally of Prime Minister Modi. Opposition leaders have suggested that Modi has consistently shielded Adani from legal consequences. In response, the Indian parliament was disrupted last week as opposition lawmakers demanded a debate on the matter. Despite the mounting pressure, both Modi’s BJP and Adani have vehemently denied all accusations of wrongdoing.

The controversy surrounding the Adani Group’s alleged corruption schemes and Modi’s connection to the billionaire business tycoon continues to dominate political discourse in India. The opposition has capitalized on the U.S. indictment to accuse Modi of protecting Adani, claiming that the prime minister has used his political power to shield the businessman from legal repercussions. These allegations have intensified in the wake of OCCRP’s reports, which have painted a picture of widespread corruption and state-sponsored surveillance in India.

At the heart of this dispute is the issue of Modi’s relationship with the Adani Group, which has been a source of ongoing controversy for the BJP. The ruling party has strongly defended Modi and his government, dismissing all claims of corruption or favoritism towards Adani. Despite these defenses, the allegations have sparked widespread debate within India and abroad about the true nature of the ties between Modi, his government, and the Adani Group.

The BJP’s attempt to shift the narrative away from the corruption allegations against Adani and Modi by targeting external actors like the U.S. State Department and Soros is seen by many as an attempt to deflect attention from the growing scandal. Critics argue that instead of addressing the core issues surrounding Adani’s alleged misconduct, the ruling party is choosing to focus on conspiracy theories involving foreign actors. This strategy, however, has not silenced the opposition or the public, who continue to demand transparency and accountability from the Modi government.

As the political tensions surrounding the Adani controversy continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how this conflict will evolve and whether the BJP’s accusations against the U.S. and other foreign entities will gain traction among the Indian public. For now, the focus remains on the growing pressure faced by Modi and the BJP, as they grapple with the fallout from the U.S. indictment and the ongoing allegations of corruption within the Indian government.

The controversy is unlikely to subside anytime soon, as both the BJP and the opposition continue to use the Adani issue as a key point of contention. In the coming weeks, the government will likely face continued scrutiny from both domestic and international sources, with calls for an investigation into the allegations against Adani and his ties to Modi. However, the BJP is expected to continue defending its position, reiterating that these attacks are part of a larger agenda to undermine the government’s legitimacy and to destabilize India.

India has raised alarms about the possibility of “smokescreen” efforts in reforming the UN Security Council (UNSC), warning that any attempt to merely tweak the existing framework could indefinitely delay critical reforms. This includes addressing the underrepresentation of regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and expanding permanent membership. These concerns were voiced by India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador P. Harish, during the annual plenary of the UN General Assembly on the ‘Question of equitable representation and increase in the membership of the Security Council’ on Monday.

Harish highlighted the lack of progress on UNSC reform, despite decades of international consensus on the need for change. He emphasized that, “it is disheartening that we have had no results to show in this regard since 1965, when the Council was last expanded in the non-permanent category alone.” That year, the UNSC’s membership was increased from six to ten elected members. India has been calling for further reforms ever since, focusing particularly on the expansion of permanent members.

The process of Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) has been one of the main vehicles for these discussions. However, Harish expressed disappointment with the lack of substantial progress in the 16 years since the IGN began. “The IGN remains largely confined to exchanging statements, speaking at, rather than with each other. No negotiating text. No time frame. And no defined end goal,” he said. This lack of direction, according to India, undermines efforts to achieve tangible outcomes, such as developing a new model for UNSC reform that would pave the way for text-based negotiations.

India has called for meaningful action in the IGN, but Harish urged caution regarding two key aspects of the reform process. The first concern is that the search for a minimum threshold of input from member states should not result in an indefinite delay in the development of a new model. “The development of a consolidated model based on ‘convergences’ should not lead to a race to the bottom to trace the lowest common denominator,” he explained. Harish warned that such a process could be exploited as a “smokescreen” to make only superficial changes to the UNSC framework, falsely presenting them as substantial reforms.

This, according to Harish, could delay necessary reforms like the expansion of permanent membership and addressing the under-representation of regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These issues could be pushed “to a very distant future,” he cautioned.

India has also expressed concerns about an argument pushed by certain countries that support maintaining the “status quo” in the UNSC. These nations have insisted that “even before beginning text-based negotiations, we must all agree on everything!” Harish criticized this stance, calling it an extreme case of “putting the ‘cart before the horse.'” He reiterated that this approach would prevent real progress toward reforms.

As a representative of the Global South, India believes that the legitimacy and effectiveness of the UN—and the Security Council in particular—are dependent on fair representation. Harish noted that “representation stands as the unassailable prerequisite for both ‘legitimacy’ and ‘effectiveness’ of not just the Council, but the UN as a whole.” He drew attention to the adaptability of younger multilateral frameworks, citing the example of the G20. Under India’s presidency in 2023, the African Union was welcomed as a full member. Harish used this as proof that “with political will, change is indeed possible.”

India remains hopeful that the UN member states will engage constructively to achieve concrete progress on Security Council reforms. Harish emphasized that such reforms must “respect the sentiments of the majority through the time-tested manner of negotiations.” He concluded that updating the UN is essential for preserving its legitimacy and credibility. “That should indeed be our resolution for the UN’s 80th anniversary,” he said.

India has long advocated for reform of the Security Council, especially the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership categories. The current 15-nation structure, founded in 1945, is viewed by India as inadequate for the demands of the 21st century, and it does not reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. India has repeatedly asserted that it deserves a permanent seat at the table, a position it last held as a non-permanent member from 2021 to 2022.

The ongoing challenges within the Security Council are also evident in its inability to address current global peace and security issues. Council members remain deeply divided over major conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out, the United Nations began with 51 member states nearly 80 years ago and has since grown to 193, reflecting the changing dynamics of global governance.

In his address to the UN’s Summit of the Future in September, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for reforms in global institutions to ensure global peace and development. “Reform is the key to relevance,” he stated, underscoring that the world must adapt to new realities in order to maintain peace and progress.

In a historic moment at the summit, world leaders adopted the Pact of the Future by consensus. The Pact calls for “reform of the Security Council, recognizing the urgent need to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable.” UN officials have hailed the language used in the Pact regarding Security Council reforms as “groundbreaking.”

The Pact outlines a commitment to redressing the historical injustice faced by Africa, which has long been underrepresented in the UNSC. It also prioritizes the representation of other underrepresented regions, such as Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The reform agenda includes expanding the Council to make it more representative of the current UN membership and reflective of contemporary global realities.

The Pact also calls for intensified efforts to reach an agreement on the categories of membership, taking into account the ongoing discussions in the Intergovernmental Negotiations process. This reflects a growing consensus among the international community that the time for meaningful reform of the UNSC has arrived. However, the path forward remains uncertain, with competing interests and political considerations continuing to shape the debate.