Prime Minister Modi’s government continued to undermine democratic institutions and attack democratic rights. Furthermore, the ruling Hindu nationalist party and affiliated organizations have increasingly propagated a majoritarian narrative that could potentially undermine the country’s social cohesion.
In economic terms, India managed to recover much better from the pandemic than most other countries. Its uncritical approach towards Russia after the start of the Ukraine invasion allowed India to buy cheap energy, which helped to keep inflation at moderate levels. Challenges remain in creating jobs for the growing young workforce as well in improving the poor infrastructure.
Despite a reduction in poverty over the past decades, inequalities within Indian society have grown. The government has eagerly launched new social programs that focus on digitization and direct cash transfers, but often fail to reach the most vulnerable groups in society.
