Hindutva politics as a reactive response to Saudi/Pakistani-sponsored Wahabism and Salafism

Hindutva Politics: A Reaction to Wahabism and Salafism?

The rise of Hindutva politics in India over the last few decades is often viewed through the lens of internal cultural assertion. But a deeper geopolitical and sociological lens reveals a more complex narrative—one rooted in reaction and response to external ideological pressures.

Saudi-sponsored Wahabism and Pakistani-promoted Salafism have significantly shaped the religious discourse across South Asia, particularly in Muslim communities. These ideologies, often backed by resources, seminaries, and transnational networks, aim to reshape local Islamic practices with a more puritanical, orthodox worldview.

For a pluralistic and historically diverse society like India, this posed not just a theological challenge, but a civilizational one. Many saw it as a direct threat to India's composite culture, local Muslim syncretism, and national security. The Hindutva movement, in this context, emerged not merely as a political ideology, but as a counter-narrative—an assertion of cultural identity and national pride rooted in historical memory and resistance to external influence.

While critiques of Hindutva rightly point to its polarizing impact, it is essential to acknowledge the emotional and geopolitical currents that fuel its rise. Identity politics thrives in environments where communities feel threatened—culturally, demographically, or ideologically.

“Political heroism centered around religious zeal often arises from animosity—born of desperation, helplessness, and fear of strong outside influence.”

To move beyond reactive politics, both communities and states need to foster resilience through education, dialogue, and a reaffirmation of shared values that transcend imported ideologies.

The Hindutva-Wahabism dynamic is not just a regional tension; it’s a global case study in how identity reacts under perceived siege—and how constructive leadership must rise above both reaction and retaliation.

#Geopolitics #India #Hindutva #Wahabism #ReligiousPolitics #SouthAsia #IdeologicalConflicts