From Red Fort, PM Modi's Message For India's Neighbourhood — India Not A Threat, But It's Always Watching

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a message for India's neighbourhood from the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day (15 August).

The message was: India is not a threat to its neighbours but is closely watching their moves.

This comes at a time when India's neighbourhood is reeling under significant political and economic instability, from Pakistan in the west to Bangladesh in the east, and from Sri Lanka in the south to Nepal in the north.

In Bangladesh, just 10 days ago (5 August), riots erupted, toppling its democratically elected government and forcing its prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, to resign and flee the country. Similarly, both Nepal and Sri Lanka are reeling from either political or economic instability, or a combination of both.

As for Pakistan, the less said about it, the better.

In all these countries, local political candidates with the support of external elements (read: China or the United States) have effectively used the 'Indian interference in their local polity' bogey to stoke anti-India sentiments and rise to power.

The Maldives and Nepal are prime examples.

The current President of the Maldives, Mohammed Muizzu, used the 'India-out' campaign as an effective strategy to rise to power while Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli capitalised on the negative sentiments toward India, which arose due to the alleged blockade of Nepal in 2015, and even went so far as to unilaterally change Nepal’s borders to include Indian territories.

Similarly, in Bangladesh, 'India-out' slogans were raised by the principal opposition party — Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). It is expected to come to power in the next elections.

In light of these developments, Modi’s message was unequivocal: while India does not pose a threat, it remains vigilant. He emphasised that India’s growth should not be a cause for concern.

He assured that "India has never gone to war.... India is the land of Buddha (Gautam Buddha — founder of Buddhism), and yudh (war) is not our path, and the world should not be concerned by a growing India."

He also hinted at India's willingness to accept the change of guard in Bangladesh and showed its readiness to work with whoever comes to power, stating that India will continue to support Bangladesh's growth and development.

However, he added a word of caution in the speech, where he asked for the safety of all minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.

This clear and unambiguous statement from the Red Fort is a message to all the neighbours — that while India should not be considered a threat, but any negative actions or sentiments against India, particularly those stirred by external influences, will not go unnoticed.