Modi’s ten years in office have been marked by a focus on development, according to influential Indian-American author Rajiv Malhotra. Malhotra hopes that a third term for Modi would bring another five years of stability and give him the opportunity to address major challenges facing India.
“India can courageously counter all external challenges because of the Modi government,” Malhotra told PTI in an interview. “Despite criticisms, they have delivered development. While more is needed, the fact remains that they have made significant progress.”
Malhotra, a prolific writer based in Princeton, has authored several books challenging the Western academic study of Indian culture and society. His latest book is “Snake in the Ganga: Breaking India 2.0.”
Citing Indian media reports, Malhotra believes Modi is poised to win a third term. He noted that during his two terms, the Modi government implemented development initiatives benefiting all sections of society.
VIDEO | Here’s what Princeton-based Indian American author Rajiv Malhotra told PTI in an interview hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime and claiming that India will have another five years of stability.
“India can courageously counter all this (challenges being faced… pic.twitter.com/0ZsiwSDJOD
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“You can show statistically that every segment of society, from the poor to minorities, has benefited. They now have roads, clean water, better health facilities, food, and education. This government has delivered, unlike the previous one which made promises but did not fulfill them,” Malhotra said.
“Ultimately, economic development is crucial for the poor, and this has been a successful central agenda of the Modi government.”
For his third term, Malhotra suggested Modi focus on key challenges, including foreign interference in India’s internal affairs. He proposed creating a national think tank and amending the constitution to ensure equal rights and benefits for all Indians, regardless of caste, religion, or ethnicity.
Malhotra, who heads the Infinity Foundation in the US, agreed with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent statement about external forces trying to influence Indian elections. However, he criticized Jaishankar’s reactive rather than proactive approach.
“While I admire Jaishankar’s abilities and quick responses, he seems unable to anticipate where attacks are coming from,” Malhotra said.
“India’s intelligence agencies have become adept at preempting physical and terrorist attacks, but in the intellectual space, the country is still vulnerable to narratives that tarnish its image.”
Malhotra also alleged that the Reliance group is funding an anti-India professor in the United States.
“One of the worst anti-India, anti-Hindu scholars is Professor Victor David Hanson at Stanford. He holds the Reliance Dhirubhai Ambani professorship and has signed documents that criticize the Hindu revival and the Modi government, labeling them as violators of minority rights,” Malhotra claimed.
He added, “These scholars influence bodies like the US Commission on Religious Freedom and the US Congress, often quoting anti-India narratives supported by groups such as ISI, Kashmir separatists, and Khalistanis. Surprisingly, Ambani’s name is associated with this.”
By focusing on development and addressing internal and external challenges, Modi’s third term could provide the stability and progress India needs, Malhotra concluded.
(With inputs from PTI)
