Modi's Visit to Israel: A Diplomatic Milestone Amidst Democratic Concerns

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Israel marked a significant diplomatic engagement, highlighted by his address to the Knesset on February 25, 2026. During this visit, Modi emphasized the shared values between India and Israel, stating, “Humanity will remain supreme” and “Democracy will remain eternal” in a handwritten note to The Jerusalem Post. He drew parallels between the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, or “healing the world,” and the Hindu philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “the world is one family.” Modi's remarks aimed to foster a sense of unity and cooperation in defense, trade, and technology between the two nations.

The Jerusalem PostEU complicity in the slow death of Indian democracyThe Hindu

While Modi's visit was framed as a celebration of democratic values, it occurs against a backdrop of increasing concerns regarding India's democratic integrity. Under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India has been described by scholars as transitioning from a competitive democracy to a hybrid regime characterized by authoritarian practices. This shift has been marked by systemic violence and discrimination against religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. Critics argue that the EU's engagement with India, particularly through the proposed EU-India free trade agreement, risks legitimizing this democratic erosion by prioritizing economic interests over human rights.

EU complicity in the slow death of Indian democracyThe Jerusalem PostThe Hindu

The European Union's approach to India's democratic decline has been criticized for its lack of robust human rights benchmarks. Detractors argue that by pursuing trade agreements without meaningful conditions, the EU inadvertently supports the BJP's majoritarian policies and undermines its own credibility as a promoter of democratic values. This complicity is seen as detrimental to local resistance movements that challenge the government's increasingly autocratic tendencies.

EU complicity in the slow death of Indian democracy

The current political climate in India has also been described as a "post-shame era," where political actors exhibit indifference to criticism and accountability. This transformation has profound implications for democratic governance, as the absence of shame allows for the normalization of unethical behavior among leaders. The erosion of moral constraints on power diminishes the expectation of accountability, leading to a political landscape where dissent is framed as betrayal.

The Hindu

In response to Modi's visit, The Jerusalem Post highlighted the significance of the meeting in fostering closer ties between India and Israel. Modi expressed gratitude for the newspaper's role in bridging the two nations. However, critics within India and abroad have raised concerns about the implications of such diplomatic engagements amidst ongoing human rights violations.

The Jerusalem Post

As India navigates its complex political landscape, the future of its democracy remains uncertain. The EU's forthcoming decisions regarding trade agreements with India will be pivotal in determining whether it aligns its economic interests with its stated values of democracy and human rights. The ongoing resistance movements within India, including protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and farmer protests, signal a persistent struggle for democratic accountability and pluralism.

EU complicity in the slow death of Indian democracy

• “Democracy will remain eternal.” — Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

The Jerusalem Post

• “If the EU truly believes in democracy, pluralism, and minority protection (its foundational values), it cannot continue to compartmentalise trade and human rights.” — Amit Singh, Political Analyst

EU complicity in the slow death of Indian democracy

• “Aligning engagement with declared values The death of Indian democracy is not inevitable, but its survival depends in part on external accountability.” — Manoj Kumar Jha, Rajya Sabha Member

EU complicity in the slow death of Indian democracy

This article encapsulates the dual narrative of Modi's diplomatic efforts and the pressing concerns regarding India's democratic integrity, highlighting the complexities of international relations in the context of domestic political realities.

EU complicity in the slow death of Indian democracy