Emerging Voices Volume 5
The Interplay of Hindu Nationalism, Diaspora Politics, and Regional Security
November 2025
Antara Chakraborthy is a Senior Analyst at the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS), part of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. With a background in journalism covering Indian domestic politics, she now explores multiculturalism and citizenship in plural societies. Antara’s research focuses on the areas of social cohesion, social resilience, and polarisation in multicultural landscapes. Currently, her work delves into the rise of religious nationalism in India and its impacts on diasporic identity. Antara loves cats, tea, and a good fantasy novel.
Key Messages
↗ The rise and normalisation of Hindu nationalism in India’s political landscape has far-reaching implications, as its domestic politics and diaspora become more interconnected.
↗ The politicisation of religion within India, particularly under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is increasingly influencing the Indian diaspora. This is intensifying divisions within these communities and has raised concerns about its impact on social cohesion in host countries.
↗ The Indo-Pacific region is a dynamic yet volatile area, where social cohesion is crucial. The significant presence of the Indian diaspora, compounded with the impact of religious nationalism, warrants careful examination. Its potential impact on regional security makes this especially important.
