New Delhi: Defence analysts and security experts have voiced serious concern over what they describe as the growing “saffronization” and politicization of the Indian Armed Forces, warning that ideological influence is increasingly shaping the character and conduct of one of the country’s most critical state institutions.
According to Global Mirror, the rise of Hindutva under the rule of Narendra Modi has led to a visible shift in the military’s institutional outlook. They say that since the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014, there has been a growing push to align state institutions, including the armed forces, with the worldview of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Defence observers point to public statements by ruling party leaders referring to the military as “Modi’s Army” as clear evidence of politicization, arguing that such rhetoric undermines the professional neutrality of the armed forces. They stress that the military, by constitutional design, is meant to remain apolitical and detached from partisan narratives.
According to Global Mirror, the rise of Hindutva under the rule of Narendra Modi has led to a visible shift in the military’s institutional outlook. They say that since the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014, there has been a growing push to align state institutions, including the armed forces, with the worldview of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Defence observers point to public statements by ruling party leaders referring to the military as “Modi’s Army” as clear evidence of politicization, arguing that such rhetoric undermines the professional neutrality of the armed forces. They stress that the military, by constitutional design, is meant to remain apolitical and detached from partisan narratives.