Modi’s Hinduism in the Middle East

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First Hindu temple inaugurated in Abu Dhabi by Indian prime minister | The  Times of Israel

by Ameer Zaman

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of a grand Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone in India-UAE relations. This event, celebrated by many, also signals the growing influence of Hindutva, an ideology associated with Hindu nationalism, in the Middle East. The expansion of this ideology into a predominantly Islamic region raises concerns about its potential impact on Islamic values and the socio-religious fabric of Middle Eastern countries.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UAE, highlighted by the inauguration of the Hindu temple, is a strategic move to strengthen diplomatic ties. The temple, built on a plot gifted by the UAE government, symbolizes the deepening relationship between the two countries. Modi’s remarks about the temple representing shared heritage and mutual love between Indians and Arabs reflect a carefully crafted narrative. However, this diplomatic gesture is also a powerful symbol of Hindutva’s ideological reach.

Hindutva, the ideological backbone of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Modi, envisions India as a Hindu nation. This ideology has been criticized for marginalizing India’s Muslim population, which forms about 14% of the country’s total. The BJP’s policies and rhetoric often highlight a vision of India that excludes religious minorities, particularly Muslims. The projection of this ideology onto the international stage, especially in the Middle East, is a cause for concern among many observers.

The establishment of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, a significant religious and cultural event, has implications for the region’s Islamic values. The UAE, a predominantly Muslim country, has prided itself on religious tolerance and coexistence. However, the construction of a grand Hindu temple in the heart of the Islamic world can be perceived as an encroachment on Islamic religious space. While the UAE government has stressed its commitment to religious tolerance, the symbolic presence of Hindutva could lead to friction with the local Muslim population and other Islamic nations. The Abu Dhabi temple, with its intricate sandstone and marble architecture, serves as more than a place of worship; it is a statement of cultural and religious assertion. Featuring Hindu deities and elements from various civilizations, including Islam, the temple aims to promote universal values and harmony. Nevertheless, for many Muslims in the region, the temple’s prominence might be seen as a challenge to their religious values and cultural dominance.

Modi’s visit and the temple’s inauguration carry significant strategic and diplomatic weight. The UAE’s relationship with India, rooted in long-standing trade links and mutual economic interests, is strategically important. However, the overt promotion of Hindutva ideology through the temple could strain these ties. Other Middle Eastern countries, observing this development, might perceive it as a potential threat to regional stability and their own Islamic values, complicating India’s diplomatic efforts in the region.

The promotion of Hindutva beyond India’s borders, particularly in Islamic nations, reflects a strategic dimension of the Modi government’s foreign policy. By establishing cultural symbols in influential regions, India seeks to extend its soft power. However, this approach is risky. The Middle East, with its deep-seated Islamic traditions, may resist the incursion of an ideology viewed as anti-Muslim. This resistance could lead to diplomatic conflicts and destabilize regional harmony.

The international projection of Hindutva also has significant domestic implications. Modi’s actions resonate strongly with his Hindu-majority supporters, who view the temple’s construction as a symbol of Hindu resurgence and national pride. However, this strategy risks alienating India’s Muslim population, leading to increased communal tensions and sporadic violence. The BJP’s aggressive promotion of Hindutva abroad could further deepen domestic divisions, undermining efforts to maintain religious harmony within India.

The expansion of Hindutva into the Middle East, epitomized by the grand Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, presents a complex challenge to the region’s Islamic values and religious harmony. While the Modi government’s actions aim to solidify India-UAE relations and enhance India’s soft power, the ideological export of Hindutva could provoke diplomatic tensions and regional instability. The Middle East, with its strong Islamic heritage, may find it challenging to accommodate an ideology perceived as hostile to Islam. As India navigates its foreign policy under the influence of Hindutva, it must carefully balance its international ambitions with the need to maintain positive relations and avoid exacerbating domestic religious tensions.

 

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