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The Indian electorate has evolved to a point that it might be incorrect to assume that the average Indian voter is not affected by foreign policy as a political issue. Foreign policy has been an elite discussion mostly with a class angle attached to it, where it used to dominate in urban centers only. But it has been observed since the last parliamentary elections held in 2019 that foreign policy has been traveling from elite dinner table conversations to a much more democratized space. This is highly observant in the campaigning style of the political players where Bharatiya Janata Party has juiced out every opportunity of projecting India’s rising image in the globe through its ultra successful diplomatic victory in the recently held G20 Summit. The leading opposition parties like Indian National Congress, also acknowledges the power of foreign policy and thus reflects its vision for India in multiple pages of its election manifesto, elaborating on its foreign policy and security goals.

Winning for the third term under Narendra Modi, Bharatiya Janata Party has a strong track record with respect to foreign policy that it is showcasing to its electorate. The growing importance of foreign policy has to be understood in the context of India’s strategic positionality in the global world order and how an average Indian has reacted to this rising brand of India.

Domestic vs foreign policy agendas

If we examine other countries, this trend will not remain unique to just India, for instance public opinion regarding foreign policy has affected electoral results, but mostly in conflict periods. With the single exception of Atal Bihari Vajyaee, foreign policy and national security concerns have been leveraged as equivalent to domestic political agendas. India’s 1998 nuclear test was emphasized during his political campaign, quite in sync with Modi’s post 2014 election campaigning, which had significant emphasis given to public diplomacy as well his presence in high-level visits all across the globe. A 2023 survey done by Lokniti CSDS and NDTV showed that 63 percent of respondents reported that India’s global status has risen since Modi assumed office. While it is unclear whether foreign policy and the perception of India on the global stage offer greater electoral benefits than domestic issues like inflation and development, foreign policy plays a significant role in influencing public sentiment, casually called the “mood” of the elections.

The Indian brand

India’s journey in the global arena is not restricted to its trajectory post 2014. Prior to that, India has been playing a critical role in one of the most powerful multilateral setups, but what remains striking is its shift from being a “balancing” power to a “ leading one”, as argued by Milan Vaishnav and Caroline Mallory. While India’s multipolar setup is not new, its rise as a principal agent in this multipolar world is definitely new. Despite western criticism and pressure, India kept purchasing Russian oil since the war in Ukraine and has maintained close ties with a natural ally like Moscow. Last June, at a panel in Bratislava, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar faced questions about this controversial choice, and he responded.” Europe has to grow out of the mindset that Europe’s problems are the world’s problems, but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems”. While diplomats like Ashok Kantha argue that India’s foreign policy has not changed drastically, but its style has changed, the above-mentioned statement from an external affairs minister, which later garnered millions of views in social media, projects how India’s robust foreign policy choices have become great electoral brownie points.

The public display of India’s contemporary style of  foreign policy has another significant feature i.e. criticizing western standards of benchmarking democracy and western media in projecting an opinion on its national issues. Although Indo-US relations remain strong, India’s position in this multipolar swing set remains crucial in making sense of its strategic autonomy. While being criticized for maintaining relations with Russia, during the ongoing war against Ukraine, and alleged assassination allegations of a Khalistani separatist in a foreign land, the Indian messaging aligns with its ‘national sentiment’ of choosing what is right for them, rather than what is deemed to be right by the West. This is also consistent with a recent announcement by the Modi government, that India will come up with a homegrown democracy ratings index which is supposed to reflect Indian narratives regarding its democratic principles and practice rather than western rankings.

Conclusion

It is to be noted that the changing nature of the global order has a huge impact on the way foreign policy is growing as an election topic in democracies like India. With the continuous rise of powers like China, the United States has been increasingly being questioned about its legitimacy of being the strategic security provider of the world. With conflict-stricken Eurasia and currently even the Middle East, China seems to be heavily invested in creating an alternative to the west-dominated liberal international order. The fragmentation of this order, however, has given a good chance for rising powers like India, which want to position themselves carefully yet robustly. India’s growing economy, diplomatic positions in multilateral bodies and its overall rising image, is testament to this evolution of this robust foreign policy strategy. And this has found a way back home, where the government has projected the idea of “Amrit Kaal”, which is quite simply opening up the grandeur nation to the world, from “twelve centuries of slavery”. 

However, this growing importance of foreign policy implications in national elections requires a much more nuanced inquiry. As argued by Vipin Narang, it seems unclear as to how the foreign policy successes have a positive impact in projecting a government’s global stance, but it does not suffer from any downside from supposedly contested foreign policy failures, for instance Chinese incursions in the LAC. In addition, it can be argued that foreign policy might just be an important impact factor in influencing national sentiments, but it needs to be balanced carefully in order to not risk India’s relations with international players, just for electoral benefits back home.

The author is an Assistant Professor of Political Science in Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies. He is currently pursuing his doctorate from National University of Juridical Sciences, India specializing in South Asian Politics and Conflict Studies

The year 2024 is considered the largest election year ever in the world, with at least 64 countries and around 2bn people expected to participate in the electoral process. Countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mexico, the US, Russia, and Brazil hold significant national, regional, and global elections this year. 

As the world’s largest democracy, India's elections are watched carefully both globally and in Nepal. Stretched over six weeks, conducted in seven phases, and contested for 543 seats in 28 states and eight union territories, India's recent parliamentary election is over. A new government has been formed. However, the consequences, takeaways, and key concerns of the electoral process will be discussed and analyzed for weeks and months to come.

Despite its political significance, the electoral operation itself is overwhelming due to the world record numbers participating. Out of 968m eligible voters, 642m voted, of which 312m were women, marking the largest women’s participation in any election.

Elections are not only about who gets elected and who does not. Analyzing elections merely on the basis of winners and losers is not understanding elections as a multifaceted process that requires the engagement of multiple stakeholders, including but not limited to political parties, civil society actors, the diverse demography of the country, media, general voters, electoral management bodies, and security forces.

While political pundits have been analyzing the outcomes and consequences of the election results, my observations are primarily focused on elections as both a multifaceted technical process and a people-centric process.

Role of EMBs

In a well-functioning democracy, Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) play a critical role beyond simply conducting periodic elections. They act as impartial referees, ensuring transparency throughout the process and ensuring trust among all electoral participants. EMBs are responsible for creating a level playing field for all actors involved.

While perception matters a lot, the recent Indian elections raised concerns about the Election Commission's (EC) effectiveness and credibility in these areas. The EC faced criticism for remaining silent when prominent figures from both the ruling party and the opposition opted for hate speech. Additionally, questions arose regarding the EC's monitoring of media coverage and its response to the spread of electoral misinformation and disinformation. Some independent candidates further alleged that attempts to register their candidacies in the constituencies of the Prime Minister and Home Minister were inexplicably blocked on minor administrative grounds.

Shrinking media and civic space 

Critics have increasingly expressed concern about the shrinking of civic and media space in India over the past decade. A healthy democracy thrives on a diverse, inclusive and independent media landscape, and the current climate poses a significant threat. India’s ranking of 159th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index paints a concerning picture.

The understood pressure to act as government mouthpieces has pushed many mainstream private television channels toward self-censorship. This, in turn, has pushed some prominent journalists to start their own independent YouTube channels, where they can potentially reach wider audiences than through the now-constrained mainstream media.

Furthermore, while the government spends millions on public awareness campaigns, these funds are often directed toward media outlets that toe the official line. This leaves many independent journalists reliant on YouTube monetization for their livelihood, creating a system where financial sustainability is contingent on editorial decisions.

National vs local

Despite efforts to set the national narratives, the Indian elections highlighted the continued importance and relevance of local and regional concerns for voters in the federal republic. While religion is becoming a significant factor in Indian politics, caste continues to exert a powerful influence. Notably, Dalits, the historically marginalized community at the bottom of the social hierarchy, appear to have made their voices heard this election cycle. Some new faces in the parliament are from Dalit community, including some young women leaders. 

Social media and AI 

When it comes to the use of social media, many election pundits say that the 2014 Indian election was a “Facebook election”, 2019 became the “WhatsApp election”, and 2024 is shaping up to be the “YouTube and short video/reel election.” This also shows how the use of social media is evolving in recent years. 

Independent YouTubers played a crucial role in educating voters through evidence-based criticisms and awareness. Furthermore, political parties and media used Artificial Intelligence (AI) for campaigns, including deep fake videos by both ruling and opposition parties. Videos of many celebrities, including Aamir Khan, were circulated on social media appealing to voters to support certain political parties. However, the role of social media companies came under scrutiny. The Guardian published a report on how the owner of X (previously Twitter), Elon Musk, was allegedly favoring the ruling party BJP, which in return advocated to lower the tax on Tesla cars in India. The YouTube India team came under fire for manipulating the algorithm to favor the ruling party. Although Meta announced a new campaign against electoral misinformation during Indian elections, such companies must implement strict policies to ensure their platforms do not become spaces for misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.

Exit poll 

This time, except for some political analysts like Yogendra Yadav and some regional media channels, the mainstream media and exit polls miserably failed to understand the mood of the common people. There has been a strong voice claiming that the exit poll was designed to favor stock investors affiliated with the ruling coalition. The Delhi Chief Minister, before going to jail again on alleged corruption charges, publicly challenged those poll workers for manipulating the stock market. Political strategists like Prashant Kishore had to publicly acknowledge the mistakes of existing pollsters and further announced that he would never dare to do that again. 

Demography and the farmers 

India, with the largest population in the world and a median age of 28 years, saw significant participation from young voters, especially first-time voters. Over 19m youth voted for the first time, with primary concerns being education and employment. Women voters also had a huge influence, with 312m women voting, making them one of the key influential electoral stakeholders. The farmers’ movement in India also impacted the election outcome. An estimated 700 farmers died during protests, and while street protests may not have been reported in mainstream media, their voices were heard loudly in these elections.

Role of state institutions 

Permanent state institutions are ideally expected to operate independently, professionally and responsibly. However, the roles of intelligence, the CBI, and the Enforcement Directorate have been questioned. Political leaders who were investigated were forced to join the ruling coalition, and charges were dropped after they joined the BJP. Many opposition leaders were jailed or are still being investigated. The bank accounts of the largest opposition party were frozen. While the Supreme Court is still looked upon with hope, its role in some cases is considered biased. In West Bengal, a high court judge immediately joined the BJP after leaving the court, raising concerns about the judiciary's independence.

In light of these observations, it would be worth watching the upcoming elections in other larger democracies and also in Nepal, where some of the parties are already mentioning the next elections.

@brabimkumar 

The author works in an international organization as an electoral advisor. Opinions expressed are his own and do not represent the views of his association

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is celebrated every year on June 15 to build strong support and awareness for elderly individuals present in society. People rarely talk about abuse, especially elderly abuse. It is a taboo in the Nepali community. The traditional Nepali society focuses on taking care of the elderly present in the family, mostly their parents who cared for them throughout their lifetime. Due to the gradual transition in society, it is noticed that older parents are usually neglected in the family. This often pushes elderly people toward isolation and depression. 

The elderly also face abuses in our society, which they can never even express or explain. Physical torture, such as beating and thrashing, is commonly recognized as abuse, yet abuse encompasses more than just violent behavior. Neglecting and ignoring elderly parents is equally harmful. This neglect fosters feelings of insignificance, causing seniors to disengage from normal activities and lose their sense of purpose in life. The elderly cannot reveal their pain since the norms and values forbid aged individuals to report the incidents of domestic abuse they face. They try to hide their feelings and feel guilty even if they complain about their children. The matter is not taken to the public sphere considering it a family issue without bearing in mind the sufferings they bear at this stage of life. 

The Constitution of Nepal 2015 has stipulated the fundamental rights of senior citizens in its Article 41, which ensures old age allowance, health services and transportation facilities for them. Further, the amendment of the Senior Citizens Act 2022 has also brought hope to lessen the inequality and irregularities vis-a-vis the issues facing elderly people. The children who misbehave with their parents are punished by the state.  However, there is a weakness observed in implementing the law. 

Many incidents are occurring regarding elderly abuse every day. The so-called literate people in the surroundings ignore it as the problem being personal and not concerning to all. No one wants to interfere in other people’s issues and often the victims are hesitant too. Mostly unaware of formalities that are required for complaint, the victims are forced to suppress their pain and accommodate themselves into their families somehow. I knew an elderly widow (79 years) from an urban area in Nepal. She was a beautiful, strong and curious lady, who visited Kathmandu every year for medical and recreational purposes. She was pregnant and a teenager when her husband passed away. She struggled throughout her life to raise her only son as a single mother. She would keep herself active, reading newspapers and listening to the radio to keep herself updated on the current political and social setting in Nepal. Whenever I met her, she would show interest in household activities like the preparation of meals. She would show this interest even in the household of her relatives she would visit in Kathmandu, considering them to be her close family.  Even though she used to motivate people around her with inspirational stories about the struggles that she lived through, there was a grief she would try to hide, something which she spoke about rarely.

Asked about her son and other family members, she used to be upset and would ignore the conversation. At times, she would hold back tears trying to keep the neglect from her children hidden from her other relatives. Rarely, when she could not bear the pain, she would casually admit the atrocities of her son and daughter-in-law. There are cultural constraints and stigma, which restrict people from offering proper advice. There is also a lack of information about the process of registering a complaint against their abusive family members. Depending on an uncomfortable family for support can make things harder for the elderly, leading to worse outcomes. A day came when a very untoward incident occurred, the elderly lady who had always seemed so brave could not tolerate the misbehavior of family members and resorted to taking her own life. 

She had struggled throughout her life to bring up her only son, who ignored and neglected her throughout lifetime, taking property and never acknowledging or even speaking to her. She stayed alone doing her everyday chores on her own. I have not been able to get this event out of my head. I could never have imagined a bold and daring lady like her who took such a step. It must have been unbearable pain that she felt that she could not share with people around her. In the past five decades when she was young, she could bear the agony but over time she took such a step in her last stage of life. Most of us normally feel that the elderly members of our family are happy and content as they smile and never complain about their lives. We often ignore asking about their problems and avoid spending time with them. Their external appearances may hide their true feelings and mislead the family members. Even if the government has planned to reward the family members of the elderly who treat them properly, the nuances in the family are yet to be reviewed and implemented. 

There are very few abuse reports registered in police related to the elderly mainly due to the culture of the society. There is also a lack of information sharing about laws associated with the elderly at the local level. A Judicial Committee (Nyayik Samitee) is formed in each of the 753 local-level units, the deputy mayor in municipalities and the deputy chairperson in rural municipalities are responsible for justice in specific issues. Their duty involves resolving disputes and creating harmony in society. With the change in the demographic structure of Nepali society, from joint family to nuclear family there is a need to monitor elderly citizens residing in or outside the family. Further, there is also a prerequisite to know whether the elderly are aware of the rights and legal procedures relevant to help them. The psychological and emotional torture the elderly bear in the form of harassment, humiliation and control of their action often leads to depression and anxiety. When it is intolerable, people can take steps like ending their lives. It is important to identify and take action against elderly abuses going on in families and society to build safe and peaceful areas for all individuals to live gracefully and with dignity. It is imperative for a civilized society and local government officials affiliated with the Judicial Committee to vigilantly oversee and regulate activities concerning the elderly across all facets of community life, placing a heightened emphasis on fostering respect and gratitude toward older generations. It is not practical to adapt and follow the structure and instruction given by the international forum. There should be use of local mechanisms to reduce abuses in any form from the society. Let the law give effective punishment to abusers and create an environment where the victim can come without hesitation and speak about the misconduct they are facing. In addition to the legal remedies, there should also be social education. The younger generation should be taught about the caring and sharing of issues relating to the elderly in different areas of life. If the elderly do not feel comfortable at home with their family, old age homes can also be a viable option for living with professional assistance. The negative light in which retirement homes and care centers are viewed can be changed by creating a mechanism for monitoring and accountability of such facilities.

Don’t you think there is something magical about the bond between humans and dogs, a connection so deep and inexplicable that it deserves its own term—zooeyia? This bond transcends mere companionship, evolving into a complex web of mutual understanding, empathy, and unconditional love. As a dog lover, I’ve experienced firsthand the strength of this connection with my two dogs, Milo and Luna. They don’t just share my home; they share my life, my moods, and even my health. When I am down, they instinctively offer comfort, their presence a silent assurance of support. When I am ill, their empathetic nature reflects my own suffering, creating a unique connection that science struggles to fully explain. This magical bond, zooeyia, is a testament to the unparalleled relationship between humans and dogs, enriching our lives in ways that are both immeasurable and invaluable.

The relationship between humans and dogs has undergone significant transformations over thousands of years, evolving from a simple partnership into a profound emotional connection. Dogs possess an uncanny ability to understand and respond to human emotions in ways that even we, as humans, cannot fully comprehend. This bond is deeply ingrained in our daily lives, as research has consistently shown that the presence of a dog can have a profound impact on human mental health.

Studies have demonstrated that the presence of a dog can significantly reduce stress levels, lower anxiety, and combat feelings of loneliness. For individuals struggling with mental health issues, a dog provides a sense of purpose and routine, acting as a grounding force in a chaotic world. This is particularly evident in the context of therapy dogs, which are specifically trained to provide emotional support and comfort to those in need.

The benefits of the human-dog bond extend beyond mental health, as dogs have also been shown to improve physical health outcomes. For example, studies have found that dog parents tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index compared to non-dog owners. Additionally, the social support provided by dogs can help increase social connections and reduce feelings of isolation, which are critical for overall well-being.

The profound bond between humans and dogs transcends mere companionship, revealing a depth of emotional connection that defies explanation. Milo and Luna embody the essence of zooeyia, a phenomenon that has captivated me with its extraordinary manifestations. Their ability to sense my emotions and respond with empathy is nothing short of miraculous, a testament to the unbreakable ties that bind us. 

On days when my spirits are low, Milo and Luna seem to know without a word being spoken. They offer their silent companionship, pressing close to me, their presence a balm to my troubled mind. Their eyes reflect a depth of understanding that transcends words, a silent communication that provides immense comfort and solace. It is as if they possess a deep intuition, a sixth sense that allows them to tap into my emotions and respond with empathy. 

One of the most enigmatic aspects of our bond is the uncanny way Milo and Luna seem to mirror my physical health. There have been times when I have fallen ill, only to find that they too exhibit signs of being unwell. This sympathetic connection is both touching and perplexing, highlighting a level of empathy that challenges our understanding of interspecies relationships. It is as if they are attuned to my very being, sensing the subtlest changes in my physical and emotional state. During stressful times, Milo and Luna go out of their way to pamper me. Whether it’s through gentle nuzzling, playful antics, or simply being there, they instinctively know how to lighten my mood. Their presence is a reminder of the simple joys of life and the power of unconditional love. They remind me that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and always love to be found

Despite the wealth of research on the human-dog bond, there remain elements of this relationship that science has yet to fully unravel. The intuitive healing, the empathetic responses, and the unconditional love dogs offer hint at a deeper, almost mystical connection.

Many dog parents, myself included, have experienced the phenomenon of dogs sensing when we are unwell, both physically and emotionally. This intuitive healing ability remains largely unexplained but is a testament to the depth of the bond we share. Dogs are perhaps the best example of unconditional love. Their loyalty and affection are unwavering, providing a stable source of emotional support. This kind of love is rare and precious, something that many humans strive for but seldom achieve.

Zooeyia, the bond between humans and dogs, is an extraordinary relationship that goes beyond simple companionship. It is a connection filled with empathy, understanding and unconditional love. Dogs like Milo and Luna not only enrich our lives but also play a crucial role in our mental well-being. They understand our moods, share our illnesses and provide comfort during times of stress. While much about this bond remains mysterious, one thing is certain: The love and loyalty of a dog are invaluable treasures that enhance our lives in ways we are only beginning to understand.

In celebrating zooeyia, we acknowledge not just the depth of this unique bond, but also its impact on our emotional and psychological health. Here’s to Milo, Luna, and all the dogs who enrich our lives with their presence and their unwavering love.