Defence Kashmir Pakistan Security Terrorism

Global Terror Factories Targeted During Operation Sindoor by India

India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, 2025, involved missile strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. India’s stated aim was to target and dismantle terrorist infrastructure used for planning and carrying out attacks against India, specifically mentioning groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). India maintained that these strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” intended to avoid Pakistani military facilities and civilian casualties. Pakistan fake claimed that India targeted civilian areas, including mosques, resulting in significant civilian deaths and injuries. Reports from Pakistan mentioned a mosque being hit in Muzaffarabad, and a mosque complex struck in Bahawalpur, leading to casualties. India’s perspective, based on the provided information, is that these sites, irrespective of containing any religious structures, were legitimate military targets because their primary function was facilitating terrorism. They argue that the presence of religious or civilian structures might be a deliberate tactic to shield terrorist activities or gain legitimacy. India emphasized that intelligence confirmed these locations were actively used as recruitment, training, indoctrination, and operational hubs for terror groups responsible for attacks on Indian soil.

Disinformation Media Misinformation News World

579

Hypocrisy Mars Press Freedom Index

Enhanced transparency, fairness, inclusivity and addressing structural issues will make Reporters Without Borders report more credible. Madhu Hebbar World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3 by United Nations General Assembly beginning 1993 to champion fundamental role of free press in free democratic societies. It promotes press freedom, evaluates its global state, defends media independence and honours journalists who face persecution or death for their work (United Nations, www.un.org). In 2025, the focus is impact of artificial intelligence on journalism, addressing both its potential to enhance reporting and its risks, such as misinformation and surveillance. The day calls for governments to protect journalists and encourages media professionals to reflect on ethical challenges, emphasizing the press as cornerstone of democracy. World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ranks 180 countries based on press freedom across five indicators: political context, legal framework, economic context, socio-cultural context and safety (RSF, rsf.org). In 2024, rankings for United States, United Kingdom, France and India reveal varied challenges, while criticisms of the index’s methodology and perceived biases spark debates about its objectivity. United States (Rank: 55th, Score: 66.59) As per the index, US dropped 10 places from 45th in 2023 with press freedom score of 66.59, the lowest in recent years (Statista, www.statista.com). RSF cites growing public distrust in media, fueled by political antagonism, as a key factor. Limited government interference notwithstanding, media ownership concentration, decline of local newsrooms, and layoffs—thousands of journalists lost jobs in 2023–2024—have weakened media landscape (RSF, rsf.org). Biden administration’s rhetoric such as calling journalism “not a crime,” contrasts with its pursuit of WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange and failure to press allies like Israel on press freedom violations (RSF, rsf.org). Critics argue US ranking reflects domestic political polarization rather than overt censorship, yet its mid-tier position highlights structural vulnerabilities in a supposed bastion of free speech (ICIJ, www.icij.org). United Kingdom (Rank: 23rd, Score: 78.29) UK improved slightly to 23rd in 2024 from 26th in 2023 with a score of 78.29 reflecting a relatively strong press freedom environment within Europe (RSF, rsf.org). However, challenges persist, including threats to public media funding and legal harassment of journalists through Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). UK’s score benefits from a robust legal framework and media pluralism but RSF notes concerns over surveillance laws and detention of Assange which raise questions about government commitment to press freedom (RSF, rsf.org). Critics argue the UK’s high ranking may downplay these issues, especially when compared to lower-ranked nations with more overt censorship, suggesting a possible Western bias in the index’s weightage for subtle versus explicit threats. France (Rank: 21st, Score: 78.53) France rose to 21st in 2024 from 24th in 2023, with a score of 78.53, bolstered by strong legislative framework and European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) which protects journalists from political interference (Vajiram & Ravi, vajiramandravi.com). Yet, RSF highlights issues like police violence against journalists during protests and increasing online harassment particularly targeting female reporters. France ranking reflects Europe’s generally favourable press environment but its score masks domestic challenges such as media ownership concentration and occasional government pressure on public broadcasters (RSF, rsf.org). Critics question whether France’s high ranking overstates its press freedom given these issues compared to lower-ranked nations facing more severe restrictions. India (Rank: 159th, Score: 31.28) India improved slightly from 161st in 2023 to 159th in 2024, but its score dropped from 36.62 to 31.28 with gains only in security indicator (Vajiram & Ravi, vajiramandravi.com). RSF reports that nine journalists and one media worker were detained in 2024 and new laws like the Telecommunications Act 2023 and Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 grant government sweeping powers to censor media (Drishti IAS, www.drishtiias.com). Modi government’s ties with media conglomerates such as Reliance, which owns over 70 outlets reaching 800 million people, exacerbate concerns about media independence. India’s government has dismissed the index as “propaganda,” arguing it overlooks democratic vibrancy and uses a flawed methodology with small sample size (Hindustan Times, www.hindustantimes.com). India’s low ranking behind relatively unstable nations like Pakistan (152nd) fuels accusations of bias, as critics claim the index penalizes non-Western democracies disproportionately. Hypocrisy in Rankings RSF index faces accusations of hypocrisy, particularly in its treatment of Western versus non-Western nations. US, UK, and France despite domestic issues like media concentration and legal harassment, consistently rank higher than India, where overt censorship and journalist detentions are more prevalent. Critics argue that RSF’s methodology, reliant on expert questionnaires and Western funding, may prioritize subtle threats in democracies (e.g., distrust in the US) over systemic repression elsewhere (Global Investigative Journalism Network, gijn.org). For instance, India’s ranking near conflict zones like Palestine (157th) seems harsh to its defenders, given its democratic elections, while the UK’s high ranking despite Assange’s detention raises questions of consistency. RSF’s focus on political indicators, which fell globally by 7.6 points in 2024 may amplify perceptions of bias when Western allies face lighter scrutiny than adversaries like China (172nd) or Russia (162nd) (RSF, rsf.org). The index’s credibility is further questioned due to its funding from Western governments and NGOs which some argue aligns rankings with geopolitical interests. For example, Qatar (89th) ranks surprisingly high despite media restrictions, possibly reflecting strategic alliances (RSF, rsf.org). India’s stagnation at 159th despite its democratic framework, suggests a potential Western-centric lens that undervalues non-Western contexts. To address these criticisms, RSF could enhance methodological transparency and diversify its expert pool to better reflect global realities. Conclusion World Press Freedom Day underscores vital role of a free press but RSF index’s rankings for US, UK, France and India highlight both unique national challenges and broader questions about the index’s fairness. While US grapples with distrust, UK and France face legal and structural issues and India contends with overt censorship, index’s perceived biases undermine its credibility. A more transparent and inclusive approach could strengthen its role as a global advocate for press freedom. (Author is an IIT Graduate Engineer, living in the greater Los Angeles area. He is engaged in coaching youngsters interested in Hindu civilizational

Report: Conversion Cartels, Silent War on Bharat’s Soul

Hindus Policy

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Report: Conversion Cartels, Silent War on Bharat’s Soul

India’s dharmic landscape is witnessing significant alteration with patterns emerging that raise concerns about national security, social cohesion and sovereignty. These patterns include proliferation of churches, legal actions related to religious conversions, children rescued from missionary organizations and increased scrutiny of missionary bodies under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

Beyond Analogy: Rethinking Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia

Security Terrorism

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Beyond Analogy: Rethinking Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia

Shambhavi Thite In recent years, there has been a growing effort to portray Islamophobia and anti-semitism as synonymous forms of prejudice. Though well-meaning, this analogy ignores their quite different histories, intentions, and outcomes. Not only another type of prejudice, anti-semitism is a centuries-old hatred spun into the fabric of Western and Middle Eastern civilizations by religious demonisation, economic conspiracies, and violent scapegoating. From medieval blood libels to the Holocaust, Jews have been persecuted for who they are—a people wrongly accused of dominating media, banks, and governments not for anything they have done. Though equally destructive in its consequences, Islamophobia usually results from modern geopolitical concerns, security fears, and responses to radicalism. Understanding these differences is essential—not to rank suffering but rather to face every type of hate with the historical and contextual knowledge it requires. While a major problem, Islamophobia usually results from geopolitical conflicts, terrorism, and radical Islamist movements rather than from a basic theological hate. Major Islamist terror events like 9/11 and later acts of violence by groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda have been intimately associated with the rise of anti-Muslim attitudes in many Western countries. Unlike anti-semitism, which presents Jews as all-powerful conspirators, Islamophobia is mostly molded by security concerns and cultural anxiety rather than a natural, unprovoked animosity against Muslims. While anti-Muslim discrimination should be categorically denounced, conflating it with anti-semitism obscures the unique challenges faced by Jewish communities. It disregards the specific historical and ideological sources of every type of discrimination. Anti-semitism: A Constant, Systemic Hatred For millennia, anti-semitism has been ingrained in religious, political, and economic machinations that have excluded and attacked Jewish populations all over. From medieval blood libels and the Spanish Inquisition to the Dreyfus Affair and the Holocaust, Jews have been unfairly accused of dictating media, financial organizations, and international governments. As shown by the emergence of online hate speech targeting Jews following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, these conspiracy theories still feed current anti-semitism (The New York Times). Clear expression of modern anti-semitism is the continuous brutality against Israeli people by Hamas, including intentional killing, kidnapping, and torture of men, women, and children. These crimes are rooted in a strongly ingrained worldview that denigrates Jewish people and rejects the validity of Jewish sovereignty; therefore, they transcend political or territorial boundaries. While ostensibly separating Jews from Zionists, Hamas’s 2017 charter has often spread antisemitic discourse based on historical clichés of Jewish conspiratorialism and cruelty. Targeting citizens—a breach of international law—reflects an ideological dedication to the destruction of Israel, which functions as a front for the more general denial of Jewish self-determination. This violence must be viewed in the context of anti-semitism, which has historically justified the persecution of Jews through group guilt and demonization. The reaction of the world community to these crimes will be a crucial test of whether anti-semitism is actually given the same importance as other kinds of racial and ethnic hatred. Moreover, anti-semitism results from ideas of a far right or white supremacist nature as well. However, extremist Islamist rhetoric also plays a significant role. For decades, Islamist parties like the Muslim Brotherhood have spread antisemitic tales linking Jews to malevolent conspirators running worldwide affairs (Fathom Journal). Independent of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this enmity toward Jews highlights even more how anti-semitism is a hate-driven ideology rather than a response to political events. Anxiety About Radical Islamism: Reversing Extremism Although sincere anti-Muslim discrimination ought to be denounced, most of what is labelled as “Islamophobia” nowadays results from a response to radical Islamism and extreme violence rather than from a natural hostility against Muslims. Unlike anti-semitism, which has historically attacked Jews regardless of their beliefs or behaviour, modern animosity toward Islam is often motivated by issues connected to terrorism, the application of Sharia law, and the larger sociopolitical influence of Islamist extremism. Contextual analysis is necessary to grasp the different historical paths and society reactions to these two kinds of discrimination since this difference defines them. High-profile Islamist terror acts, including 9/11, the Charlie Hebdo murder, and the Manchester Arena bombing, have mostly coincided with the explosion in Islamophobia across Western countries. Along with organizational actions like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, these events have stoked public fears about radical Islam. Prejudice of any kind is disgusting, but dismissing these problems as mere bigotry fails to recognize the actual security risks posed by radical groups. Jews have historically faced persecution regardless of their behaviour. On the other hand, most of the hostility directed at Muslims in the West results from concerns about Islamist extremism rather than from a general contempt of the religion itself (The Jerusalem Post). Encouragement of serious debates on religious tolerance, security, and the complexity of modern global politics depends on an awareness of this vital difference. The term “Islamophobia” is misused in the suppression of Islamist extremism criticism The fact that the modern “Islamophobia” story is so often used as a weapon to stifle reasonable criticism of radical Islam raises some very alarming questions. While it’s vital to combat real anti-Muslim bias, the term Islamophobia is increasingly used to silence discussions about Islamist ideology and its intellectual roots. This misreading of religious tolerance and security shapes the conversation such that even well-founded criticisms of extreme ideas are written off as bigotry. One prominent illustration of this phenomenon is the way detractors of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel are sometimes accused of Islamophobia. Rooted in a mix of Islamist and far-left activity, the BDS movement aims to minimize the Jewish state under the cover of human rights campaigning. But resistance to BDS is a reaction to a political objective that fits parties renowned for their animosity toward Israel and, at times, Jews in general, not a statement of anti-Muslim feeling. Combining Islamophobia with BDS compromises free speech by deterring honest discussion on the consequences of the movement (The Conversation). This more general trend of characterizing any criticism of Islamist militancy as Islamophobic has alarming results. It discourages attempts to properly fight

China Security

425

China’s ‘Gunboat’ Expansionism in Tasman Sea

PLA Navy seeks to expand Chinese Communist control beyond traditional Indo-Pacific areas and change power dynamics vis-à-vis Australia, New Zealand and their Western allies. Ayadoure Stalin China’s recent naval activities in Tasman Sea have caught the attention of many across Indo-Pacific. This unusual move by People’s Liberation Army (PLA) marks a significant display of naval strength, indicating Beijing’s strategic aim to disrupt current balance of power in the region. Considering Tasman Sea’s closeness to Australia and New Zealand countries that have traditionally held sway in South Pacific China’s actions imply a broader geopolitical strategy that could alter security landscape in the area. Tasman Sea has traditionally remained outside China’s naval exercises domain making this recent manoeuvre an unusual and deliberate display of force. PLA Navy’s growing presence in these waters marks a departure from its conventional areas of military operations, primarily concentrated in South China Sea, East China Sea and Taiwan Straits. This geographic shift indicates Beijing’s desire to expand its operational reach into broader Indo-Pacific, demonstrating its ability to project power beyond its immediate maritime periphery which in itself is controversial and expansionist. China’s decision to operate in this region should not be viewed in isolation but as part of its broader maritime strategy which seeks to counter Western presence in the Pacific. While official Chinese statements may downplay significance of these drills, the message to Australia, New Zealand and their allies is apparent: China will assert its presence in waters traditionally dominated by Western powers. Western presence in South Pacific Tasman Sea has typically been outside the realm of China’s naval exercises, making this recent manoeuvre a notable and intentional show of strength. PLA Navy’s increasing activity in these waters departs from its usual military operations which are mainly focused on South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Straits. This shift suggests that Beijing aims to expand its operational reach into wider Indo-Pacific showcasing ‘communist military strength’ beyond its immediate accepted maritime boundaries. China’s choice to engage in this region should be considered part of its larger maritime strategy which aims to counter Western influence in the Pacific. Although official Chinese statements may downplay the importance of these drills, the message to Australia, New Zealand, and their allies is clear: China is prepared and capable of asserting its presence in waters that have traditionally been under Western control. Provocative Display of Power China’s naval expansion in Tasman Sea is more expansionist as part of a larger plan of President Xi Jingping to alter regional security landscape. Deployment of Chinese warships in this unexpected area goes beyond a simple military exercise; it represents a calculated display of power that fulfils several strategic goals. Firstly, it tests responses of Australia and New Zealand assessing their speed and effectiveness in addressing perceived threats nearby. This gives China insight into Western regional allies’ military readiness and strategic collaboration. Secondly, it conveys a strong message to smaller Pacific nations that China was the ‘big brother’ capable of wielding diplomatic and military influence in their waters. China’s activities in Tasman Sea might not be limited to mere displays of strength. Violation of territorial waters treaties, coercive actions and other aggressive manoeuvres cannot be ignored. Given China’s history of using its naval power for intimidation such as island-building in the South China Sea or conducting military drills near Taiwan these concerns are valid. Shadow of Gunboat Diplomacy China’s naval activities in Tasman Sea reflect its Gunboat Diplomacy, a tactic historically used by it to exert influence through naval presence. This strategy has been apparent in Beijing’s approach to territorial disputes in South China Sea, its assertive stance in Taiwan Straits and its growing resistance to US Pacific Command operations. China aims to bolster its claims over Indo Pacific waters by employing Gunboat Diplomacy, intimidate rivals and deter outside interventions. Deployment of PLA Navy assets in Tasman Sea extends this strategy, signalling Australia, New Zealand and their allies that western powers may not be able to negate China’s influence in wider Indo-Pacific region. China is contesting supremacy of US Pacific Command. Historically, Washington has maintained a robust naval presence in Indo-Pacific to counterbalance China’s expanding military reach. However, Beijing’s ability to conduct operations far from its shores indicates a growing desire to quickly expand its arc of influence thereby challenge U.S.-led regional security frameworks. Implications for the Indo-Pacific PLA presence in Tasman Sea raises important questions about the future of regional security and strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific. Australia, New Zealand and their allies will likely see China’s actions as a wake-up call, leading to discussions on effectively counterbalancing Beijing’s increasing military assertiveness. Several potential responses could arise: First, strengthening regional alliances Australia and New Zealand may look to enhance their defence cooperation with like-minded partners including US, Japan, and India through frameworks like Quad and AUKUS. Secondly, enhancing maritime surveillance both nations might prioritize increased investments in maritime domain awareness capabilities to monitor Chinese naval activities better. Thirdly, diplomatic pushback Canberra and Wellington could use diplomatic channels to garner support from Pacific island nations, ensuring they do not fall under China’s influence. Fourthly, increased military preparedness expect to see greater defence spending and military exercises aimed at showcasing regional resolve against possible Chinese encroachments. China’s recent activities inTasman Sea are not likely to be a one-off event. Instead, they indicate a more significant shift in Beijing’s military strategy one aimed at challenging the current security framework in the South Pacific. Through economic pressure, diplomatic initiatives and increased naval presence, China is gradually working to reshape the Indo-Pacific to its advantage. China’s PLA navy operations in Tasman Sea represent a notable shift from its usual military focus indicating a bold move into waters traditionally under Western control. (Author is an UGC Junior Research Fellow at Centre for Indo Pacific Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi)China Extends to Tasman Sea

Disinformation Misinformation Security United States

418

USAID Shady Agenda Exposed

Foreign influence peddling is not new to India. From colonial trade networks to modern soft power strategies, external forces have long sought to shape the nation’s socio-political landscape. In the present era, dominance is not limited to dominance through military strength but exercised via economic dependencies, cultural narratives and policy interventions to try and subjugate communities to slavery of ultra-modern variety. In Indian context, foreign influence is often orchestrated through a meticulously structured network of private corporations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks and academic institutions with funding streams strategically directed to shape public discourse and policy formulation. And, in most cases, it’s an operation of the deep state. At the heart of this intricate web, the common patron is United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

How CCP is Architecting a New World Order

China Geopolitics

424

How CCP is Architecting a New World Order

CCP is positioning itself not just as a regional power but as the central player in an emerging new world order. With every move, Beijing is sending a clear signal: the era of Western dominance is drawing to an end, and China’s moment has arrived. In recent years, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has embarked on a series of bold, strategically transformative initiatives that are not only reshaping global order but also redefining the very concept of national security. Seizing the moment, Beijing has advanced a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening its position while challenging post-Cold War world order that has long been dominated by Western powers. The scope of Beijing’s ambitions has expanded to unprecedented levels—ranging from large-scale infrastructure projects spanning continents to advancements in technology and energy. Each initiative showcases a determined effort to reposition China at the centre of a new global hierarchy. Unfolding, an era of calculated moves, technological breakthroughs, and strategic posturing, all of which are poised to fundamentally shift global power dynamics and shape international landscape for decades to come. It started with a quiet, yet signifiant move into the heart of Africa. Under Belt and Road Initiative, a series of 30 clean energy projects has begun to take shape across the continent, weaving a complex web of CCP influence in countries long neglected by the West. Solar farms, wind turbines, and hydroelectric plants are rising where darkness and poverty once reigned, promising economic growth and energy independence. To many, it seems like the kind of philanthropy the world needs—Beijing is playing the role of the benevolent superpower, offering solutions where others have failed. Yet, as Beijing’s footprint expands, its motives become clearer. This is not just about lighting up villages or building infrastructure—it’s about creating a sphere of influence. The “Green Silk Initiative,” as some have called it, is a tool for political leverage, an economic dependency cloaked in the rhetoric of environmentalism and mutual benefit. For the CCP, Africa’s energy future is not just about growth; it’s about aligning a vast continent with its own vision for the global order, a vision that has no place for Western hegemony. Simultaneously, high in the Tibetan plateau, another monumental CCP project is taking shape—one that threatens to reshape the region’s future and leave its critics scrambling for answers. The CCP’s proposed hydropower dam, set to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours annually, is poised to become the world’s largest hydropower project, with an estimated cost of $137 billion. Beyond the eye-popping numbers, the scale of this project has sparked intense controversy. Tibetan exiles and environmental groups warn that the dam could irrevocably damage fragile ecosystems and desecrate landscapes that have been sacred for centuries. The Dalai Lama, exiled since the CCP’s occupation of Tibet, has repeatedly voiced concerns, cautioning that such large-scale developments, masked as progress, would scar a land steeped in ancient culture and unparalleled natural beauty. For many, the dam is not simply an energy project—it is a symbol of cultural and ecological destruction, a stark manifestation of a regime willing to sacrifice the sacred in its relentless pursuit of power. The ambitions of the CCP, however, extend far beyond energy and infrastructure, reaching into the very heart of technological advancement. The unveiling of the CR450 high-speed train serves as a striking demonstration of China’s emerging engineering prowess, as well as a symbol of its strategy to dominate the global transportation landscape. The CR450, now recognised as the world’s fastest train, is more than a marvel of modern engineering—it is a direct challenge to the West’s technological supremacy. Designed to connect major cities across China with unprecedented speed and efficiency, the train cuts through the landscape with such force that it feels less like a transportation system and more like a statement. The rapid development and deployment of such projects place Beijing not only at the cutting edge of infrastructure but in a strategic position to export its technology globally, further entrenching its economic and political reach across the globe. This is not a game of pure infrastructure, however. As much as the CCP seeks to dazzle the world with its technological feats, it also seeks to control the future of energy and power itself. The “Artificial Sun” project, another CCP innovation, has captured the global imagination. Under the banner of the Celestial Fusion programme, Chinese scientists recently set a world record by sustaining plasma for an unprecedented 1,066 seconds. This achievement, presented with immense fanfare by the Chinese state, positions the China as a leader in the race for clean, limitless energy. But in many ways, the artificial sun represents more than just a scientific breakthrough. For many critics, it is a carefully choreographed piece of state-sponsored propaganda, designed to project power and technological dominance. CCP is positioning itself not just as a global economic power but as a potential monopoly on the energy sources of the future. The implications of such a shift cannot be understated. The ability to control global energy markets and dictate terms for future energy access will fundamentally reshape the power structures of the 21st century. Beijing’s naval ambitions, too, have grown exponentially. The unveiling of the Type 075 amphibious assault ship is a powerful signal of the CCP’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) growing military might and its intent to dominate the seas. This vessel, one of the largest of its kind, is capable of deploying large forces quickly and efficiently across vast stretches of the ocean. The message is clear: CCP is ready to assert itself as a maritime power capable of protecting its interests in critical regions such as the South China Sea, where tensions with Southeast Asian nations and the United States have been escalating for years.The Type 075, with its cutting-edge technology and imposing size, epitomises Beijing’s broader naval ambitions to challenge both South Asian and Western naval presences in the region. More than just a weapon, the ship serves as a floating symbol of Beijing’s power projection—an embassy on water, reinforcing the message

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s USA Visit

Bharat Geopolitics Policy United States

434

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s USA Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States in February 2025 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the India-U.S. relationship. This visit was not only a display of high-level diplomacy but also a demonstration of both nations’ commitment to addressing contemporary challenges while harnessing emerging opportunities in multiple domains. With a focus on strategic defense, innovative technologies, economic reforms, and multilateral cooperation, the visit set the stage for a renewed and expansive partnership between the two democracies. This report outlines the key engagements, strategic dialogues, and transformative initiatives that were announced during the visit. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the discussions and agreements reached, highlighting the broad range of issues that are set to shape the future of bilateral relations.

India Hate Lab’s Flawed Report Lacks Credence

Disinformation Misinformation

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India Hate Lab’s Flawed Report Lacks Credence

The report smacks of selective amnesia, prejudiced frameworks, overlooks rising crimes on Hindus, seeks to bring about divisiveness. India Hate Lab’s (IHL) 2024 report on Hate Speech Events claims that hate speech incidents increased significantly in the country and Hindu nationalist organizations, ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were behind these crimes. A closer examination however throws up methodological flaws in the ‘agenda’ based study laced with prejudices, dubiousness of the publishing institute. The report’s inconsistent data collection, selective incident framing, turbulent agenda of IHL and its parent group, Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) have to fore.

Bharat Geopolitics

546

India, Japan, and Buddha

Dr. Jay Prakash Yadav Japan’s National Day embodies a legacy shaped by cultural wisdom and strategic foresight. Since Buddhism’s arrival from India in 552 AD, Japan has integrated its principles into governance. The history of cultural friendship between India and Japan dates to AD 552, the time when Japan was introduced to Buddhism. It was the time when Japan began to drink from the Indian spring of culture, sharing the Buddhist ideals of wisdom and compassion, faith and sacrifice, purity and enlightenment. India resulted in ushering in of a new era. Since then, Buddhism has remained the core and culmination of our friendship and will continue for generations to come. Japan drew its first constitution based on the Buddhist principles of Panchasila, Triratna- Buddha, Dharma and Sangha thus gave a humanized face to the administrative system in Japan. India and Japan have a unique relationship devoid of ideological, cultural, or geographical disagreements. It is distinct and exudes warmth from giving deeds and feelings of support for one another in difficult times. Japanese culture and thinking have been influenced by Indian culture, which has been filtered through Buddhism. This is precisely why Japanese people feel very close to India. A global vision of peace, security, and shared prosperity founded on sustainable development is now shared by Japan and India. The foundation of the two nations’ international cooperation is their shared democratic principles and dedication to pluralism, human rights, open society, and the rule of law. A wide convergence of India and Japan’s long-term political, economic, and strategic interests, aspirations, objectives, and concerns can be seen in their worldwide relationship. Japan and India see each other as partners who can and should respond to regional and global issues in a way that is consistent with their global cooperation. Thus, India’s strength, prosperity, and vibrancy are beneficial to Japan, and vice versa. It has been determined to strengthen the strategic focus of Japan-India’s global collaboration in light of the given circumstances and the state of the world. With a shared interest in and complementary roles in furthering global peace and equitable development as well as the security, stability, and prosperity of Asia, India and Japan are peace partners. In April 2005, during the then-Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s visit, it was decided that the two nations would deepen their cooperation and work toward a comprehensive and all-encompassing development of their bilateral relations, with a specific and pressing emphasis on bolstering economic ties by making the most of their economies’ potential and current complementarities. It was determined that both nations will work to establish stronger communication and cooperation in order to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia; advance democracy and development; and investigate a new framework for tighter regional cooperation in Asia. Taking advantage of and expanding upon existing strategic convergences, two nations also decided to increase collaboration in a variety of fields, including energy, disarmament, non-proliferation, security, and the environment. In the context of globalization and the growing concern over the use of military power for achieving foreign policy objectives, the importance of soft power has increased considerably, and Buddhism offers many advantages. Buddhism has international appeal and is highly conducive to spreading among all nations, cultures, and civilizations because of its core teachings, which include equality, non-violence, and its dialogical approach. Furthermore, there is no more effective soft power tool for Asian nations that share a Buddhist spirituality. Buddhism has played a significant role in Japanese culture and religion for over 1500 years, despite its foreign appearance. It is currently Japan’s soft power diplomacy’s most enduring tenet. Through several private and government agencies, Japan has been from time to time at the forefront in restoring the Buddhist relics, developing the major Buddhist pilgrim sites in various countries including India. Japan has thus rendered a great service to Buddhism and the land of its birth by rediscovering, reclaiming, and keeping alive the ‘wonder that was India. India has now woken up and is using Buddhism as the focal point of its soft-power campaign throughout Asia to highlight its strong Buddhist credentials. During the past one-decade, Indian policy-makers are making conscious efforts to utilize its allure for fostering deeper engagement with Asian countries – especially in the east and southeast, as part of its “Act East” policy. This involves not just sprucing up and showcasing Buddhist sacred sites and monuments, but also establishing people-to-people contacts and promoting cultural exchanges via tourism. (Author is Assistant professor at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University of social sciences, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh and Scholar of Buddhist Studies.)

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