V-Dem report classifies India as electoral autocracy, declining democracy
Study cites deteriorating freedoms, media independence under Modi govt
New Delhi: India’s democratic credentials have come under renewed scrutiny following the 2026 Democracy Report of the Sweden-based V-Dem Institute.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the report titled “DEMOCRACY REPORT 2026 Unraveling The Democratic Era” classifies India as an electoral autocracy. It identifies a prolonged decline in democratic institutions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Signs of Democratic Decline Under BJP Rule
The V-Dem Institute’s 2026 report describes India’s autocratisation since 2009 as a slow but systematic dismantling of democratic institutions. It identifies the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as anti-pluralist and Hindu nationalist. The report also highlights declining freedom of expression and media independence, harassment of journalists critical of the government, and attacks on civil society and opposition groups.
The report said, “The ruling anti-pluralist, Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Modi’s derailing of democracy include deteriorations in freedom of expression and independence of the media, harassments of journalists critical of the government, and attacks on civil society and the opposition”.
According to the report, India has been classified as an electoral autocracy since 2017. This classification reflects the institute’s assessment of the country’s democratic institutions and political freedoms.
The report’s findings raise concerns about democratic governance, freedom of expression, media independence and the treatment of political opposition in India.
The report describes India’s autocratisation since 2009 as a slow but systematic dismantling of democratic institutions. It notes that India has been classified as an electoral autocracy since 2017.
India ranks 106th on Electoral Democracy Index
According to the report’s 2026 assessment, India ranked 106th among 179 countries on the Electoral Democracy Index. Its score stood at 0.38 for 2025, reportedly the country’s lowest since 1975.
India ranked 105th on the Liberal Democracy Index, scoring 0.26. These indicators assess different dimensions of democratic governance and political freedoms.
Report flags restrictions on democratic freedoms
The report identifies deteriorating freedom of expression and media independence among its major concerns. It also highlights harassment of journalists critical of the government.
The study further points to pressure on civil society organisations and opposition groups. It links these developments to the weakening of democratic institutions under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The report’s findings add to international scrutiny of India’s democratic institutions and protection of civil liberties.
For Kashmir, the findings provide a wider context for examining political freedoms and institutional accountability. However, the report did not treat Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in a separate assessment.
