Hindutva ideology and its implications for India-Türkiye relations: A critical examination

This thesis offers a critical analysis of the evolving bilateral relations between India and Türkiye, two rising global powers. The strategic interests of these nations often converge, leading to cooperation, but they also diverge due to competitive dynamics. Within this framework of convergence and divergence, this study focuses on the 'divergent' impact of Hindutva ideology, a form of ethno-religious nationalist ideology, on India's foreign policy towards Türkiye since Narendra Modi assumed power in 2014. Through a comprehensive analysis of key historical and political developments in India, this study examines how the rise and dominance of Hindutva ideology, coupled with post-independence historical and political developments, have shaped India's foreign policy. This provides a key to understanding the dynamics of India-Turkey relations. The study further explores the geopolitical and economic dimensions of India-Türkiye relations, emphasising both the opportunities for cooperation, i.e. convergence, and the challenges posed by ideological barriers, i.e. divergence. In particular, the thesis examines three geostrategic regions where both India and Türkiye have crucial economic interests and encountering each other: (1) Indian Ocean Region, (2) Eastern Mediterranean, and (3) Landlocked Eurasia. This analysis reveals India's strategic steps in sidestepping Türkiye in major trade routes and forge alliances with other countries that have contentious relations with Türkiye. The thesis questions the potential influences of the Hindutva ideology on such steps taken by BJP-led Indian government and concludes that the approach, particularly towards the strategic marginalisation of Türkiye, is significantly influenced by Hindutva ideology. However, while acknowledging the significance of Hindutva, the study also points out that economic interests, realpolitik, and the desire to balance global powers continue to play crucial roles in shaping India's foreign policy.