Shashi Tharoor's Assessment of Modi's Tenure
Congress MP and author Shashi Tharoor has provided a detailed assessment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 12 years in office, highlighting significant achievements in foreign policy and economic transformation while also raising critical questions about democratic governance and social cohesion.
Foreign Policy: Multi-Alignment and Global Influence
Tharoor largely praised the Modi government's foreign policy, noting its assertion of India as an "independent actor on the world stage." He drew parallels with Jawaharlal Nehru's approach, describing Modi's strategy as "multi-alignment." This doctrine has allowed India to maintain its strategic autonomy, strengthening relationships across various geopolitical divides. Examples include deepening ties with Gulf nations, emerging as a voice for the Global South, and negotiating trade agreements with the European Union and the United Kingdom.
This multi-aligned stance has enabled India to sustain its longstanding defense partnership with Russia while simultaneously expanding strategic cooperation with the United States through forums like the Quad, alongside Australia and Japan.
Despite his overall commendation, Tharoor pointed to the recent Iran conflict as an area where India could have adopted a more neutral stance, potentially acting as a mediator rather than appearing to side with the US and Israel. Nevertheless, he concluded that India has solidified its position as an "independent pole in the global order" during Modi's leadership.
Economic Progress and Challenges
On the economic front, Tharoor acknowledged India's "dizzying progress in economic modernization." He cited advancements in infrastructure, digital public services, financial inclusion, manufacturing, and technology. These reforms, he noted, have improved governance and bolstered India's economic profile, solidifying its status as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies.
However, Tharoor highlighted a significant challenge: employment. Despite rapid economic growth, he observed that it "has not translated into enough high-quality, formal-sector jobs" for the millions of young people entering the workforce annually.
Concerns Over Democracy and Social Cohesion
Tharoor's assessment also included reservations regarding the government's handling of democratic institutions and social cohesion. He emphasized that "economic success cannot compensate for democratic failures," stressing the equal importance of constitutional values, pluralism, and robust institutions for national progress.
Critics, including Tharoor, have voiced concerns about the impact of Hindutva on India's secular fabric, pointing to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, and the increasing marginalization felt by religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. Allegations of pressure on independent institutions, including parts of the media, oversight bodies, and the judiciary, have also been noted, with some international democracy watchdogs labeling India an "electoral autocracy" or "illiberal democracy."