Artificial Intelligence Bharat Geopolitics International

PM Modi Leads India’s Global AI Charge

Rahul Pawa When the next AI Summit convenes, it will be on Indian soil, in a country that is scripting its own AI destiny one built on access, equity, and innovation. In the heart of Paris, under the ornate ceilings of the Grand Palais, the world witnessed a pivotal moment in technological history. The AI Action Summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened global leaders, tech magnates, and policymakers to chart the future of artificial intelligence (AI). The two-day summit, held against the backdrop of rapid technological advancements, became a stage where India positioned itself not just as a participant but as a formidable force in the global AI ecosystem. Prime Minister Modi, in his opening address, eloquently stated, “We are at the dawn of the AI age, where this technology is fast writing the code for humanity and reshaping our polity, economy, security, and society.” He emphasised the unparalleled impact of AI, urging collective global efforts to establish governance frameworks that uphold shared values, address inherent risks, and build trust among nations. Governance, he asserted, was not merely about risk management but about fostering an environment where innovation could thrive, ensuring AI’s benefits reach all, particularly the so called “Global South”. As the summit unfolded, world leaders laid out their stakes in the AI race. French President Emmanuel Macron made a bold statement, unveiling a €109 billion investment in France’s AI sector. With characteristic flair, he highlighted France’s clean energy advantage, stating, “Here, there is no need to drill. It’s plug, baby, plug.” His words highlighted the urgency of aligning AI innovation with sustainable infrastructure, a challenge that nations around the world are grappling with. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance struck a different tone, advocating a laissez-faire approach to AI development. He warned against overregulation, suggesting that excessive oversight could stifle innovation. “We must allow AI to evolve freely, driven by market forces rather than bureaucratic constraints,” he remarked, in sharp contrast to Europe’s push for tighter AI governance. The European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen, however, took a measured stance, emphasizing the need for responsible AI development. “AI must be an enabler, not a disruptor. We must strike the right balance between innovation and ethics, ensuring technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” she stated, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to structured AI oversight. Amid these competing visions, it was Modi’s announcement that India would host the next AI Summit that sent a resounding message. India, he declared, was not content with being a consumer of AI but was determined to be a key architect of its future. With its vast population, diverse linguistic landscape, and thriving tech ecosystem, India offered a unique testing ground for AI models that could be scaled globally. The timing of Modi’s announcement was strategic. Just last year, the Indian Cabinet had approved an ambitious ₹10,300 crore outlay for the IndiaAI Mission, a sweeping initiative designed to cement the country’s position as a global AI powerhouse. This mission, spanning the next five years, aims to build a robust AI infrastructure, develop indigenous AI models, and foster innovation through public-private partnerships. A key pillar of this initiative is the IndiaAI Compute Capacity, a scalable infrastructure deploying over 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to power AI research and applications. India’s AI ambitions extend beyond infrastructure. The IndiaAI Innovation Centre (IAIC) is set to become a hub for cutting-edge AI research, focusing on developing Large Language Models (LLMs) tailored to India’s linguistic multiplicity. The initiative will also enhance the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, ensuring access to high-quality, bias-free datasets critical for developing fair and accurate AI systems. As Modi took the stage once again to discuss the ethical challenges of AI, his message was clear—AI must be transparent, inclusive, and free from biases that perpetuate social inequalities. “We must build quality data sets, free from biases. We must democratise technology and create people-centric applications. We must address concerns related to cybersecurity, disinformation, and deep fakes. And we must also ensure that technology is rooted in local ecosystems for it to be effective and useful,” he emphasised. Bias in AI, he warned, was one of the most pressing concerns of the modern era. From image recognition systems that favour Western-centric depictions to healthcare AI models that perform poorly on non-white populations, the risks were vast. “Ask AI to generate an image of a person writing with their left hand, and it is likely to depict a right-handed writer instead, because right-handed examples dominate its training data,” he explained, offering a simple yet profound example of how deeply embedded biases can shape AI’s outputs. The urgency of ethical AI governance was emphasised by the presence of Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, a stark reminder of the geopolitical stakes in AI supremacy. China’s aggressive AI push, underpinned by vast data pools and state-controlled development, has raised concerns among Western nations about the implications of an AI arms race. In contrast, India positioned itself as a neutral player—advocating for open-source AI models, transparency, and global cooperation to ensure AI serves humanity at large. As the summit concluded, a new global AI landscape had begun to take shape—one where India was no longer on the periphery but at the forefront of shaping policies, driving innovation, and ensuring ethical governance. When the next AI Summit convenes, it will be on Indian soil, in a country that is scripting its own AI destiny—one built on access, equity, and innovation. In the words of Prime Minister Modi, “The future of AI must be inclusive, just as the future of humanity must be inclusive. Let us build it together.” (Author is Research Director at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, New Delhi based non-partisan think-tank)

Bharat Geopolitics

816

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.)

Bharat Policy Security United States USA

796

USAID in India: A Subversive Influence

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was established in 1961 during the Cold War, ostensibly to provide humanitarian aid and foster economic development. However, over the decades, it has evolved into a tool of American geopolitical manoeuvring, often acting against the very interests of the nations it claims to help. While USAID publicly promotes democracy, economic growth, and stability, its interventions have repeatedly served as instruments of subversion, funding extremist organizations, undermining local governance structures, and advancing ideologically driven agendas that disrupt sovereign nations. While USAID has worked extensively with national governments to implement development programs, it has often bypassed official state mechanisms, choosing instead to fund non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that operate with limited oversight. This approach has created parallel administrative structures, leading to dependency and weakened governance in several countries. Governments in Asia, Africa, and Latin America have repeatedly raised concerns over USAID’s influence, with some nations outright expelling the agency due to allegations of political interference and covert destabilization efforts.

Bharat Economy

624

Go Big, Go Bold!

Transactional Trump, EU policy recast, realignment of global forces with China & Russia moving closer may cast a long shadow on Modi government’s eleventh year budget. K.A.Badarinath Post-elections in United States, Donald J Trump assuming charge as American President coupled with realignment of forces globally will weigh-in on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she readies to present her eighth federal budget in a row this Saturday. Nirmala Sitharaman may have to take on board Trump’s constant haggling that Bharat was a high tariff destination for American goods. More importantly, clubbing Brazil and Bharat with China for imposing high tariffs as a way to balance trade may be on top of the mind. A deficit of $ 32 billion that US have with India in bilateral trade of US $ 118 billion during 2024 is the big trigger for ‘transactional’ Trump who is expected to push hard for ‘rebalancing’ transactions. In fact, this is the biggest factor for Trump to threaten across the board tariff of over 2.5 per cent on all Indian goods, services and push for sale of defence equipment. A possible way out may be found when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Trump during his France visit next month. This apart, what finance minister Sitharaman would consider is Commerce Ministry analysis on all economic issues that Trump talked about at his inauguration as President on January 20 and virtual address at Davos World Economic Forum the day after. In fact, this will easily go into Finance Minister Sitharaman’s tabulations on oil prices, US $ and Indian rupee pricing apart from her fiscal deficit projections that are expected to be in line with her announcement in the last budget a couple of months back. In line with ‘Make America Great Again’ campaign of Donald Trump, European Union pushing for ‘Make Europe Great Again’ line may have its bearing on developing large economies like Bharat, Brazil, South Africa etc. The 27-nation block and Trump may have taken a leaf out of Prime Minister Modi’s “India First” or “Bharat First” campaign that led to mobilization of Hindutva or Bharatiya forces at political level as well as socio-economic front. Though European Commission President Ursula Vonder Leyen holds that Europe is already great, she commissioned a report on union’s competitiveness from Mario Draghi to provide a firm roadmap to sustain healthy growth rates over next 25 years. This reassessment will definitely have its impact on exporters from Asia like India that’s just becoming a player to reckon with both in investments and trade. Serious conversations within European Union end to her dominance in automobiles, emergence of China as a big player in automobiles as well as artificial intelligence, non-availability or limited access to cost-effective oil from Russia will have to be factored by Nirmala Sitharaman as she goes about fine-tuning Bharat’s roadmap to 2047. Union budget is definitely a big occasion to look back, assess and work on futuristic economic policy framework in the wake of global realignment of force, China and Russia moving closer, big debate on capitalism versus communism, conservatives to liberals, Left of centre to far right politics within and outside the country. Narendra Modi government as one can recollect have smartly deployed every penny to win hearts of 1.4 billion people in last eleven years. Even without majority seats in Lok Sabha on its own during last June elections, Modi and his economic policy making team led by Nirmala Sitharaman has not diminished or deviated one wee bit. This eleventh-year budget of BJP-led NDA will be no different. Fiscal consolidation, prudence in spending, continuation of its well laid out taxation policy and spreading the wings to cover more and more vulnerable sections in the ambit of famed Bharat ‘growth story’ will clearly be visible in vision and action. Expanding scope of highly successful Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme hitherto introduced in 2020 would not only expand industrial base, create new jobs opportunities but also offer an excellent platform for foreign investors. Till date about Rs. 1.32 lakh crores foreign investment (US$ 16 billion) have been realized thereby leading to a massive jump in manufacturing output at Rs. 10.90 lakh crore (US$ 130 billion). Over 850,000 jobs have been created due to this industrial expansion under the scheme alone. ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ is a great policy liner that has stood test of times for Modi government. Matrix for the scheme where foreign and domestic investors plough-in has to be expanded across sectors especially defence and security to exploit the potential for investments, technology and jobs creation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will have to announce Modi government’s policy framework to manage Artificial Intelligence (AI) like DeepSake, Qwen developed by China with its alignment to Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Already, there are enough indications that AI Compute Facility that secured 18,000 GPUs will drive the artificial intelligence initiative that’s ‘open sourced, application focused and flexible’. Data privacy and data localization policy may have to be dovetailed to ensure that our artificial intelligence initiative is in sync with the country’s diverse needs. Quick investments and development of ‘generative’ artificial intelligence networks may have to be prioritized by Modi government and the dedicated mission may have to develop a framework to deal with the issues. Nirmala Sitharaman may have to opt for policy reforms to push the pedal on governance that eases ‘way of living’ and enhances ‘living standards’ for people in rural and semi-urban areas. Bringing equivalent focus on middle and lower-middle class apart from most vulnerable sections into the ambit of budget and economic policy making will also be a saleable preposition for the finance minister. Given the kind of direct cash benefits announced in different states as part of competitive political slugfest may have to be addressed immediately to nourish a healthy work culture to enhance productivity in industry, agriculture, services and allied areas. From free power, heavily subsidised gas to cash offers, both opposition parties and ruling NDA partners have gone for the kill

Trump's Orders - Impact on Indians and the Diaspora

Bharat United States

719

Trump’s Orders Impact on Indians and The Diaspora

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was re-elected to the White House and took oath of office as 47th President of the United States. Without wasting any time, he signed a number of presidential orders on his first day in office to carry out the pledges he made during the campaign. These directives, while intended to address local issues, have important ramifications for populations around the world, especially Indians and the Indian diaspora. The possible effects of these orders on trade, immigration, bilateral relations, and cultural links between India and the US are examined in length in this Explainer.

India’s 76th Republic Day: Significance and Beyond

Bharat

809

India’s 76th Republic Day: Significance and Beyond

Pummy Pandita January 26 holds a special place in Bhartiya civilisation. It marks the Purna Swaraj Declaration of 1930, when the people of India vowed for complete independence, and, 20 years later, on January 26, 1950, adopted the Indian Constitution, ushering in the essence of a republic. The Constitution is not just a collection of laws, rather it is an evolving document that is inclusive, flexible, and dynamic. It embodies learnings from Bharat’s ancient sacred/ scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Buddhist and Jain teachings, the spirit of Bharat’s ancient concept, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), concept of dharma (Duty and Righteousness), welfare state, equality and non-discrimination, moral and ethical governance, non-violence (ahimsa) and peace, liberty, equality and fraternity, environmental protection etc. Republic Day reminds us to uphold these principles as Bharat advances in the 21st century. It serves as a reminder to all citizens of their responsibility to help build a powerful, independent, and peaceful Bharat, advancing the idea of a timeless and transformative civilisation.Republic Day signifies the reaffirmation of Bharat’s enduring ideals of justice, equality, liberty, and brotherhood in addition to the development of a legal framework. Bharat’s capacity to reconcile its spiritual ethos with democratic values is demonstrated by the Constitution, which was drafted under the visionary leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It provides a beacon of light for civilisation’s progress while tying together the oneness of a long-surviving civilisation. To represent India’s focus on developing cordial relations with countries around the world, the tradition of inviting a foreign dignitary as the Chief Guest to the Republic Day celebrations was instituted. This practice has both diplomatic and cultural significance, expressing India’s pluralistic ethos and soft power while showcasing its goals to fortify bilateral ties, communicate its dedication to regional and global peace, cooperation, and goodwill, and engage with the international community. The colourful procession, which highlights India’s cultural legacy, military force, and technical prowess, provides visiting dignitaries with an insight into the country’s variety and might. Indonesia, a fellow Asian country fighting for its independence, was among the first nations to acknowledge India’s independence. Given the common history and culture, President Sukarno of Indonesia was the first Chief Guest on Republic Day in 1950, as this invitation also represented regional solidarity. In the years that followed, dignitaries from different nations were carefully selected in accordance with India’s foreign policy objectives. Initially, the emphasis was on inviting leaders from nearby Asian nations; as India’s international involvement increased, the focus shifted to Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Some of the most notable dignatories who have graced India’s Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests: 1950s and 1960s: Laying the Foundation 1950 President Sukarno Indonesia 1955 Government General Malik Ghulam Muhammad Pakistan 1961 Queen Elizabeth II United Kingdom 1968 Prime Minister Alexei Kosygin Soviet Union 1970s and 1980s: Non-Aligned and Strategic Partnerships 1974 President Josip Broz Tito Yugoslavia 1976 Prime Minister Jacques Chirac France 1980 President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing France 1988 President Junius Jayewardene Sri Lanka 1990s: Post-Cold War Adjustments 1992 President Mário Soares Portugal 1993 Prime Minister John Major United Kingdom 1995 President Nelson Mandela South Africa 2000s: Expanding Horizons 2003 President Mohammed Khatami Iran 2005 King Jigme Singye Wangchuck Bhutan 2007 President Vladimir Putin Russia 2010s: Global and Multilateral Focus 2015 President Barack Obama – The first sitting U.S. President to attend. USA 2018 Leaders of ASEAN nations A unique instance of inviting multiple leaders to commemorate 25 years of India-ASEAN ties. 2019 President Cyril Ramaphosa South Africa – Honoring Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary 2020s: Strengthening New Partnerships 2021: No Chief Guest – A rare break in the tradition due to COVID-19 pandemic 2023 President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Egypt The custom of having prominent foreign leaders as principal guests highlights Bharat’s expanding alliances and influence, reinforcing its position as a responsible global force. H.E. Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, will be a distinguished guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations. This decision strikes a deep chord with the economic, strategic, and civilisational bonds that unite the two biggest democratic and archipelagic countries in the world. The invitation highlights the strong alliance between India and Indonesia, which is based on shared values, history, and current geopolitical conditions. India and Indonesia established cordial ties because of their shared democratic heritage, pluralist culture, fight against colonial powers, and progressive leadership. At India’s first Republic Day in 1950, President Sukarno of Indonesia was the Guest of Honour. An Indonesian marching contingent will grace the ceremonial route during India’s Republic Day Parade, marking a historic event and a testament to the longstanding friendship between the two biggest maritime democracies in the world. This act highlights the long-standing connections between India and Indonesia, which are based on a common cultural heritage, a history of resistance to colonialism, and a shared goal for an open and free Indo-Pacific. Their involvement is a testament to the strong interpersonal ties and expanding strategic alliance that continue to influence peace and development in the region. As these two countries move forward together, their relationship shines brightly on the international scene as a symbol of respect and cooperation. Indonesia is willing to uphold the advice of its founding father, Soekarno: “Never ever forget history.” This is demonstrated by the preservation of oral, textual, and visual Indic tradition through literary works like the Kakawin Ramayana, the renowned architectural legacy like the Prambanan Temple, and the ongoing use of Sanskrit as the motto of governmental agencies. India and Indonesia’s relationship goes beyond the confines of contemporary statecraft. It is a connection created over centuries of intellectual dissemination, marine trade, and cultural interchange. The Indic stamp is irreversible, spanning from the era of the Majapahit and Srivijaya empires to the impact of Buddhism and Hinduism that still shapes Indonesian culture today. Java and Bali celebrate the Ramayana and Mahabharata just as much as Ayodhya and Kurukshetra do, creating

Without Enmity, Let’s Work for Welfare of All

Hindus Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

717

Without Enmity, Let’s Work for Welfare of All

Taking inspiration from Bhagwan Ram, let’s pursue path of harmony, unity, progress and peace; reconstruction of Bharat and entire world. Dr Mohan Bhagwat The history of our Bharat is one of continuous struggle against invaders for around last one and a half thousand years. The aim of early invasions was to plunder and sometimes (like Alexander’s invasion) was for colonisation. But, attacks from West in the name of Islam only brought complete destruction and alienation of the society. To demoralise the nation, society, it was necessary to destroy their religious places, hence foreign invaders destroyed temples in India. They did this not once but multiple times. Their aim was to demoralise Bharatiya society so that they could rule over Bharat unhindered with a weakened society. The demolition of Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya was also done with same intention and for same purpose. This policy of invaders was not limited to just Ayodhya or any one temple, but was a war strategy for the entire world. Indian rulers never attacked anyone, but invaders of the world have done such misdeeds by being aggressive for expansion of their kingdom. But in Bharat, it did not have the desired results, not at least as per their expectations. On the contrary, in Bharat, the faith, commitment and morale of the society never diminished, the society did not bow down, their struggle of resistance continued. Therefore, repeated attempts were made to take control of Shri Ram’s birthplace and build a temple there. There were many wars, struggles and sacrifices for him. And, the issue of Ram Janmabhoomi ingrained in the minds of Hindus. In 1857, when war plans started being made against the foreign i.e. British rule, Hindus and Muslims together expressed their readiness to fight against them and then there was a mutual exchange of ideas between them. And, at that time, a situation evolved where there would be a reconciliation on issue of banning cow slaughter and liberation of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi . Bahadur Shah Zafar also guaranteed a ban on cow slaughter. As a result, entire society fought together. Bharatiya people showed bravery in that war but unfortunately this war of Independence failed. Then, Bharat did not get independence, British rule remained uninterrupted, but the struggle for Ram Temple did not stop. According to British policy of “Divide and Rule” towards Hindu-Muslims which was already in practice, gained even more prominence after 1857. To break the unity, British hanged the heroes of the struggle in Ayodhya and question of liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi remained unresolved. The struggle for Ram temple continued. After Independence in 1947, when Somnath temple was unanimously renovated, the discussion about such temples started. Similar consensus could have been considered regarding liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi, but the direction of politics changed. The selfish forms of politics such as discrimination and appeasement became prevalent and hence the question remained as it is. On this issue, governments did not even consider the wishes and sentiments of Hindu society. On the contrary, they tried to destroy initiative taken by the society. The legal battle related to this, which had been going on since pre-independence, continuously carried on. The mass movement for the liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi began in the 1980s and continued for thirty years. In 1949, the Murty of Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra appeared at the Ram Janmabhoomi. In 1986, the mandir was unlocked as per court order. In the coming period, the continuous struggle of Hindu society continued through many campaigns and kar seva. In 2010, a clear judgement of Allahabad High Court clearly came before the society. The efforts had to be sustained for final resolution of the issue at the earliest. On November 9, 2019, after 134 years of legal struggle, the Supreme Court gave a balanced decision after examining the truth and facts. The feelings and facts of both parties were also considered in this decision. This decision has been given after hearing the arguments of all parties in the court. According to this decision, a board of trustees was constituted for constructing the temple. Bhoomi pujan of the temple took place on August 5, 2020 and now, Paush Shukla Dwadashi Yugabd 5125, accordingly on January 22, 2024, installation and Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Murty of Shri Ramlala has been organised. From Dharmic point of view, Shri Ram is the most worshipped deity of majority society and the life of Shri Ramchandra is still accepted as an ideal code of conduct by entire society. Hence, now the conflict that has arisen as for and against over the dispute should be ended. The bitterness that has arisen in the meantime should also end. Enlightened people of the society must see that the dispute ends completely. Ayodhya means a city ‘where there is no war ‘, ‘a place free from conflict’. On this occasion, in the entire country, reconstruction of Ayodhya in our mind is the need of the hour and also the duty of all of us. The occasion of construction of Shri Ram mandir in Ayodhya marks reawakening of national pride. This also signifies acceptance of the vision of life behind the character of Shri Ram by modern Bharatiya society. Lord Shri Ram is to be worshiped in the temple with rituals of ‘Patram, Pushpam, Phalam, Toyam’ (leaves, flowers, fruits and water) and at the same time, by establishing image of Shri Ram in our minds, in the light of the same inculcating ideal conduct, we have to worship Shri Ram. As “Shivo Bhootva Shivam Bhajet, Ramo Bhootva Ramam Bhajet” (to worship Shiva, Be Shiva, to worship Ram, be Ram) is called true worship. If we consider from this point of view, then according to the social nature of Bharatiya culture, we need to imbibe “Matravat Pardareshu , Pardravyeshu Loshtvat. Atmavat sarvabhuteshu , yah pasyati sah panditah” (He is a wise man who sees the wives of others as his mother, the wealth of others like clod of earth and all beings as his own

Ayodhya Overtakes Mecca, Vatican in Footfall

Bharat Hindus

941

Ayodhya Overtakes Mecca, Vatican in Footfall

One Year after Bhagwan Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishta, the holy town holds out hope to be fulcrum of Hindu renaissance. Pummy Pandita Bhagwan Ram’s Pran Pratishta in January 2024 at his very birthplace in Ayodhya marked a new chapter in cultural and spiritual journey of Bharat. Since the construction of magnificent temple as abode of Ram Lalla, Ayodhya has undergone a transformation that devout Hindus connect to in spiritual terms and practicing faith. There’s no denying that Ayodhya, once a neglected, haunted and disconnected small town, is not any of these anymore. It’s bustling with devout people converging to Ayodhya by road, airways and superfast trains’ network. Infrastructure in Ayodhya has also undergone a sea change with roads, waterways and huge tourism circuit with hospitality points coming up in last one year. Footfall in Ayodhya as per estimates has crossed that of Vatican (6.7 Mn in 2023) and Mecca (1.83 Mn in 2024) many times over. As per Hindu calendar, January 11, 2025 marks first anniversary of Prana Pratishtha of Bhagwan Ram Lalla and the day would be celebrated as “Pratishtha Dwadashi” at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. A clutch of religious rites, devotional recitations, cultural acts and spiritual talks will be performed at the sanctum sanctorum and the entire Ayodhya Dham. Over three crore people are expected to witness the grand celebrations of Shri Ram’s Pran Pratishtha anniversary. Spiritual ceremonies will be held at Yajna Mandap, a dedicated location within the Mandir premises at break of dawn to kick off the celebrations. The Agnihotra ceremony involving lighting of fire will take place during 8 am – 11 am and again between 2 pm to 5 pm. This age-old Vedic practice is known for spiritual and cleansing and is carried out using mantras from Sukla Yajurveda. In addition to purifying the area, the ceremony will aid in fostering a spiritually uplifting atmosphere for the day’s activities. Highlights of the Day: Shri Ram’s Prasad, that’s regarded as a celestial blessing, will be offered all day long to devotees from early morning hours reflecting Bhagwan Ram’s grace. A Year of Record-breaking Footfall Shri Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha has turned Ayodhya into a popular pilgrimage centre. An unprecedented 15 million pilgrims are estimated to have visited Shri Ram Mandir to seek the blessings of Shri Ram Lalla. Temple’s tremendous appeal was highlighted by daily footfall exceeding two lakh people daily during peak seasons like Ram Navami and Deepawali. Due to this massive influx of visitors, Ayodhya is now on par with Varanasi and Tirupati as one of India’s most popular pilgrimage destinations and overtaken both Mecca and Vatican, the two religious centres for faithful Muslims and catholic Christians respectively. Wider road networks, better train connectivity and recently opened Ayodhya International Airport have contributed to the boom in tourism. These advancements have made it easier for pilgrims from all over Bharat and the world to travel to Ayodhya. Economic Windfall Ayodhya has experienced exceptional economic growth due to constant influx of devotees. As per local authorities, the city’s yearly income from tourism-related activities has more than doubled hitting almost ₹4000 crore (approximately half a billion US dollars) in the most recent year – the key contributors included pilgrims’ arrival that has brought in about ₹15,000 crore ($1.8 billion) in tourism-related income. Occupancy rates at local establishments, such as restaurants, motels and guesthouses have increased significantly, surpassing 90 per cent during busy times. Infrastructure Development Realizing Ayodhya’s potential to into a world hub of spirituality, Uttar Pradesh state and Bharat’s central governments has made significant infrastructure investments: Spiritual and Cultural Renaissance Ram Lalla’s return to his abode and birthplace has ignited a cultural revival in Ayodhya. The city is now a thriving centre of faith based activity thanks to regular kirtans, bhajans and spiritual talks. To raise awareness of Shri Ram’s teachings, temple administration has planned a number of events that draw both young people and academics. Shri Ram Lalla’s return to Ayodhya also represents a cultural revival. It has inspired a generation to reconnect with their heritage and rekindled interest in Bharat’s legendary stories. The temple’s exquisite carvings and imposing construction serve as a tribute to the magnificence of traditional Indian craftsmanship. In addition to revitalising millions of people’s spiritual ties, Shri Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha has transformed Ayodhya into a centre for both cultural and economic renaissance. Ayodhya is a living example of transformational power of Hindu faith as the city continues to change, striking a balance between its rich legacy and contemporary goals. While the first year of Shri Ram’s homecoming is significant, this holy place is expected to make even more waves in years to come. (Author is head of operations at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi)Ayodhya Overtakes Mecca, Vatican in Footfall

Geopolitics Policy

672

Bharat – Islamic Confluence

From Decades of Dormancy to Dynamic Diplomacy: How PM Modi’s Kuwait Visit Redefined Bharat’s Global Engagements. Vinod Kumar Shukla There is a misnomer that foreign policy of any country remains more or less the same while governments come and go. This is not true. Actually, it changes with the kind of government a country has from being submissive to assertive. Look at the case of Bharat where, ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over, engagements with gulf countries have been of mutual interest by de-bracketing them from solely being Islamic nations, a great departure from the erstwhile Pakistan-centric foreign policy. Bharat has made its Western neighbour’s self-styled claim of being a stakeholder everywhere especially with Islamic nations meaningless. The engagement of Bharat with rest of the global communities are on equal footings. Ushering in a new era of global engagements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern during his Kuwait visit from December 21-22, 2024 stated that “it takes four hours to reach Kuwait from India but it took four decades for the Prime Minister.” This is despite the fact that over a million people of Bharat in Kuwait are the largest expatriate community which is regarded as the community of first preference among expatriates. The Gulf nation is a key source of investment for Bharat from the current president, Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Approximately 89 per cent of the total FDI from the GCC has been received in the last decade and bilateral trade between India and Kuwait in the last financial year was over $10 billion. The PM’s Kuwait visit is to further strengthen bilateral ties, operationalise security agreements that have been moving at a snail’s pace. Prime Minister Modi has been trying to make West Asia a trade gateway for the rest of Asia and Europe and create a business-friendly environment to invite and secure investments in the region. Bharat’s bilateral relations with most of the Gulf countries by de-bracketing Pakistan is no less than an achievement for any government. Now most of the countries are keen on deeper bilateral ties. But the way Kuwait facilitated PM’s interactions with diaspora and respected New Delhi’s sensitivities on cultural and religious matters, it clearly indicates Bharat’s growing diplomatic clout not only in the region but globally as well. West Asian countries are generally considered as oil supplying nations but Modi dispensation looks at them with mutual trust and opportunity in gamut of issues. Besides trade, regional security is another concern. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and post-Assad instability in Syria are matters of concern. They are not only impacting regional security but also business prospects. Diplomatically cornering Pakistan, the two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure during PM’s visit. They agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. Defence cooperation is another area of mutual benefit and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Kuwait to institutionalize bilateral cooperation in defence that included training, exchange of personnel and experts, joint exercises, cooperation in defence industry, supply of defence equipment, and collaboration in research and development, among others. India is gradually emerging as a defence exporting nation in a big way with its Make in India programme. The other issue that is very dear to the PM is solar energy (green energy) and making an oil exporting country like Kuwait the member of International Solar Alliance (ISA) is certainly a big deal. The world knows it well that solar energy is the future as fossil fuels are not forever. The ISA collectively covers the deployment of solar energy and addresses key common challenges to scale up its use to help member countries to develop low-carbon growth trajectories. Reducing carbon footprint is a global challenge and India has lived up to its global commitment. It wants others including developed nations to follow suit. Cultural linkages with West Asia are age-old and Bharat has always been wanting to continue which the PM has always been mentioning in his speeches. An understanding about Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029 has been reached about which would facilitate greater cultural exchanges in art, music, dance, literature and theatre, cooperation in preservation of cultural heritage, research and development in the area of culture and organizing of festivals. Sports is another area where India needs to do better and cooperation with friendly nations will help them to excel together. Executive Programme (EP) for Cooperation in the Field of Sports (2025-2028) is a similar measure that India and Kuwait have arrived at during PM’s recent visit which will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of sports by promoting exchange of visits of sports leaders for experience sharing, participation in programs and projects in the field of sports, exchange of expertise in sports medicine, sports management, sports media, sports science, among others. Most importantly, the persona and initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been so overwhelming that Kuwait has bestowed upon him its highest knighthood order ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’ which is the 20th international honour given to him. During his visit, the PM met with Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and discussed the importance to Bharat’s bilateral relations with Kuwait acknowledging that bilateral relations were progressing well and welcomed their elevation to a strategic partnership. They emphasized on close coordination between both sides in UN and other multilateral fora where India is not only seeking major reform and is emerging as an important player. In the context of the UN reforms, both leaders emphasized on the

Geopolitics United States

670

Disruption in World Order Guaranteed!

Donald Trump’s second term may not allow ‘business as usual’ approach to global affairs given underpinnings of ‘Make America Great Again’ thrust. K.A.Badarinath Across continents one big question that’s seriously debated and pored over is what’s in store during second term of President Donald Trump that would kick off in three weeks from now. Jokes, boardroom banter, hate, repulsion to cult following notwithstanding, Donald John Trump cannot be ignored as President United States of America (USA) given the landslide mandate that Americans have given him. One can rest be assured, he would make next four years very eventful at Oval Office after having gained serious insights into functioning of the Presidential role in his first term that ended in turbulence. Trump would not let the world forget in a hurry that he’s the only President who has been returned to White House after eviction from White House after Grover Cleveland several decades ago. Hence, it’s not surprising that from Africa, Asia, Europe to West Asia, tongues have begun to wag on state of play with staunch and determined Republican President at the hot seat in White House. But, what can easily be predicted is pursuit of aggressive ‘America First’ and ‘Make America Great Again’ that would dominate Trump Presidency on all fronts, be it economy, investment and trade, civilizational ties, diplomatic engagements, wars and conflicts in which US has direct or indirect linkages. Ultra nationalist sentiment of Western variety will have a sway during Trump regime within and beyond American borders. Expressive articulation of America First and Make America Great Again cannot be missed. A thorough review of all engagements including Israel, Ukraine and other conflict zones would become a priority for President Trump. And, rogue states like Pakistan are expected to face big time shove if Trump has his way. China may top Trump agenda with 50 per cent tariffs proposed on all exports to United States to rebalance bilateral trade. These levies would turn as many products non-competitive forcing Bejing to rethink its export strategy using third country labels to overcome the proposed tariff barriers. Bharat along with other BRICS member countries have already been put on alert as Trump has threatened with 100 per cent tariffs if the big developing countries went ahead with a common currency regime rivalling the American dollar. ‘De-dollarization’ move apart, Bharat may have to revisit its list of 30 US goods identified in 2018 and approached World Trade Organization for levying retaliatory tariffs on US. Also, sticky issues like Gautam Adani’s case in American courts and reported life bid on Khalistani terrorist Gurupatwant Singh Pannun will have to be dealt with deftly. Of late, growing anti-Bharat sentiment being belted out by American media outlets especially following Sriram Krishnan’s appointment as advisor on artificial intelligence to Trump may have to be addressed. Future of H1B work visas, US citizenship to children of such visas has turned absolutely uncertain. President Trump may have to take a call on this key issue. On two occasions in his first term, Trump had referred to 50 per cent restrictive duties on Harley Davidson motorcycles by Bharat. Even after his re-election in recent weeks, President-elect Trump described Bharat as ‘tariff king’. He conveniently chose to not refer to hiked tariffs on Indian steel and metallic products exports by him in his first term. Though the volume and value of defence exports to US are modest at US $ 1.5 billion, they may come under scanner of quixotic Trump. There are several such Indian export items that may be put to scrutiny by new regime. No wonder, Prime Minister Narendra Modi despatched his foreign minister Subramanyam Jaishankar to US in preparation for bilateral engagement with the ‘Don’. Modi who shares personal rapport with Donald Trump is expected to find a way out given that Indian investors are waiting in the wings to take larger positions – directly or indirectly — in US markets. President Trump would prioritize huge cuts in ‘federal spending’ of ‘non-essential’ and ‘non-strategic’ expenses by his government given the burgeoning long term deficits that US has piled up over years. Every dollar spent may be accounted for especially with technology czars like Elon Musk breathing down the neck pushing for ‘government efficiency’ on resources. Under President Trump, ‘radical left lunatics’ may get a big bashing on the butt that would eventually inflict damage on support structures for democrats. These Left hardliners have been peddling narratives that ‘liberal, open democratic character’ of US was under threat once the ‘Don’s’ second term began in 2025. Narrative battles in US between Left leaning ‘self-proclaimed’ liberals and Republicans under Donald Trump are expected to intensify further. Basically, ‘business as usual’ may not be possible with Donald Trump. Be it Canada, Panama, Greenland, Syria or elsewhere, there’s bound to be restlessness in Republican White House demanding a big changeover. Donald Trump seeking to turn Canada into 51st state of US sent shivers for Justin Trudeau who’s fighting with his back to the wall seeking re-election later next year. Here again, Trump demanded lowering of tariffs and in return offered US security cover to Canadians as fifty first state. Similarly, Panama was put on notice by Donald Trump who made two significant points from his perspective. One, the Panama Canal was being illegally controlled by Chinese people liberation army and the tariffs on movement of American goods were too huge that warranted a rollback. Thirdly, Donald Trump may have hit a raw nerve when he sought American pound of flesh in administration of resources-rich Greenland. Given that European Union has effective control on Greenland, Brussels may not take Trump’s comments rather lightly and forced to engage with him on the issue apart from legal migration and infiltration across US and EU member countries. Donald Trump may like to leave his imprint as a global leader in his four-year regime that’s bound to be eventful and has the potential to change face of global engagement. (Author is Director & Chief Executive at

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