Islamabad : The rising influence of Hindutva ideology and its expanding transnational networks are fueling diaspora-driven politics and a dangerous escalation in Islamophobia worldwide, emphasised experts at a seminar here Sunday.
Dr Mujeeb Afzal, an associate professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, unpacked the structural and political dimensions of Hindutva, asserting that it was more of a political phenomenon than a religious one.
He also underlined Hindutva’s construction of identity in opposition to Muslims and its global strategies and ideological links to promote Islamophobia.
The experts warned that the trend posed serious challenges to global peace, coexistence and pluralism, highlighting the urgent need for academic, diplomatic and policy-driven engagements to counter its divisive narratives.
The event, titled “Hindutva: Networks, Diaspora Politics and Islamophobia” and convened by the Institute of Policy Studies Islamabad, brought together scholars, policymakers, diplomats and other stakeholders to explore one of today’s most pressing global ideological challenges.
IPS chairman Khalid Rahman highlighted the steady surge in mobilisation of Hindutva organisations under the guise of cultural organisations, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, not only within India but also across Indian diasporas to advance the politics of hate.
He underlined the factors through which Hindutva reinforced itself within India, including organisational discipline, a robust grassroots network, political influence through the BJP, expansion in affiliate organisations, community service, shaping educational and cultural discourse and most of all a favourable Islamophobic global environment.
Mr Khalid said Hindutva weaponized Islamophobia as a strategy in the West to further its own anti-Muslim agenda. Academic and policy analyst Dr Khurram Iqbal noted how Hindutva-driven narratives contribute to Islamophobic sentiments and discriminatory policies.
He added that Hindutva diaspora in the Global North funded Hindutva-led activities inside India and the dissemination of that divisive ideology globally.
He emphasised that the Hindutva diaspora in the West acts as a lobby group for the BJP and RSS. However, he noted that Hindutva may struggle to gain ground in Western societies, where racial identity often proves stronger than religious affiliation, and India’s assumed role as a ‘vishwaguru’ did not sit well with the host societies.
Director General Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS) Islamabad Ambassador (r) Sohail Mahmood Sohail Mahmood warned of the dangers posed by Hindutva and its transnational networks for Muslim, especially Pakistani, diaspora communities.
He stressed the need for sustained dialogue and global solidarity to counter Hindutva and Islamophobia, while noting that many Hindus themselves reject these extremist ideologies.
Emphasising that pluralism, inclusivity, and justice are essential for peace and stability, he cautioned that Hindutva groups actively fuel Islamophobia, pointing to the current BJP/RSS support for Israeli genocide in Gaza as a dangerous convergence.