The Prime Minister's figure seemed to float above the crowd of people who supported and worshiped him. This is the image that the American magazine chose Foreign policy to be illustrated in one files he devoted himself to “Indian Question” in its latest edition.

In the same image, a halo illuminates the almost mystical face of Narendra Modi, against a saffron-colored background – the political color of Hinduism as claimed by proponents of Hindutva, the ideological matrix of Hindu nationalism, tinged with references to fascism. And herein lies some of the problems with this Indian question:

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi [au pouvoir depuis 2014], culture and religion take precedence over secularism. India became a Hindu nation.”

“India has always been an unlikely democracy”, advance editorial Foreign policy. However, when it was formed in 1947, the question was to create a democratic and secular republic, the only one capable of uniting these things. “diverse states, many of which have distinct languages, cultures and cuisines.”

“The original idea of ​​India – a unifying vision – prioritized liberal democracy over any particular culture or religion.”

Now it's over, the magazine said: “If Modi wins a third term, illiberal India may not be a mistake, but a norm.”

However, it continues Foreign policy, the country has established itself on the international stage. To the extent that New Delhi is establishing technological and defense ties with Washington, while strengthening its trade with Russia and its precious oil, which is under Western trade sanctions. “Nobody tried to stop it; everyone seems to want this big economy on their side.”

Ahead of the legislative elections, the process of which will take more than six weeks of voting, from April 19 to April 1.^uh June, “The time has come to understand what drives this country of 1.4 billion people”, announced the magazine.