‘Saffronization of Indian Armed Forces raises alarm among defence experts
New Delhi: Defence analysts and security experts have voiced serious concern over what they describe as the growing “saffronization” and politicization of the Indian Armed Forces, warning that ideological influence is increasingly shaping the character and conduct of one of the country’s most critical state institutions.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the rise of Hindutva under the rule of Narendra Modi has led to a visible shift in the military’s institutional outlook. They say that since the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014, there has been a growing push to align state institutions, including the armed forces, with the worldview of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Defence observers point to public statements by ruling party leaders referring to the military as “Modi’s Army” as clear evidence of politicization, arguing that such rhetoric undermines the professional neutrality of the armed forces. They stress that the military, by constitutional design, is meant to remain apolitical and detached from partisan narratives.
Citing structural imbalances, analysts highlight that Muslims constitute only around 2 percent of the armed forces despite making up nearly 14 percent of India’s population. This disparity, they argue, raises questions about inclusivity and equal representation, particularly in a country that claims a secular framework. Similar concerns have been raised about negligible Muslim representation within India’s intelligence apparatus.
Experts further warn that increasing proximity between sections of the Indian military leadership and religious or political ideologies risks eroding institutional integrity. They note that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and affiliated groups have long advocated for an ideologically aligned national security structure, a trend they say is now becoming more visible.
The situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir is often cited as a case study by defence analysts, who argue that military conduct in the region—marked by frequent cordon and search operations, arrests, and use of force—reflects a hardened and ideologically influenced approach. Experts caution that continued politicization and ideological influence within the military could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and internal cohesion.
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