Bharatiya Janata Party

Definition

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is one of the two major political parties in India, founded in 1980, that promotes a platform based on Hindu nationalism and right-wing politics. The party has played a significant role in shaping India's domestic and foreign policies, particularly in relation to the Indian diaspora in regions like the Middle East and Africa, leveraging these connections to enhance India's geopolitical and economic ties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The BJP emerged from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, which significantly influences its policies and ideology.
2. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the BJP has strengthened ties with the Indian diaspora, encouraging them to participate in India's growth story while also fostering connections between India and their host countries.
3. The BJP's foreign policy strategy emphasizes economic diplomacy, aiming to attract investment from the diaspora in sectors like technology and infrastructure development in India.
4. In the Middle East, the BJP has focused on building relationships with countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, capitalizing on the large Indian expatriate population there to enhance trade and investment opportunities.
5. The party has also worked towards ensuring better welfare policies for NRIs, emphasizing their role as cultural ambassadors and economic contributors to India.

Review Questions

• How has the Bharatiya Janata Party influenced India's foreign policy in relation to its diaspora in the Middle East?
  • The Bharatiya Janata Party has significantly influenced India's foreign policy by fostering strong relationships with countries in the Middle East, where a large Indian diaspora resides. This connection allows India to leverage its expatriate community for economic growth and cultural exchange. By encouraging investments from NRIs and facilitating bilateral trade agreements, the BJP aims to strengthen India's position as a key player in the region while also catering to the needs and aspirations of the Indian community abroad.
• Evaluate the impact of the BJP's Hindu nationalist ideology on its approach to international relations with African nations.
  • The BJP's Hindu nationalist ideology affects its approach to international relations by promoting cultural diplomacy that emphasizes shared values between India and African nations. The party seeks to strengthen ties through initiatives that celebrate historical connections, such as the Indian influence on African culture. This approach often focuses on development partnerships and capacity building while being sensitive to the demographic diversity of these nations, which can enhance India's soft power in Africa.
• Assess how the Bharatiya Janata Party’s policies have shaped the role of the Indian diaspora in enhancing India's geopolitical strategies globally.
  • The Bharatiya Janata Party's policies have reshaped the role of the Indian diaspora by actively engaging them in India's geopolitical strategies through initiatives like outreach programs and investment incentives. By encouraging NRIs to contribute to India's development narrative, the BJP has created a platform for these individuals to influence international perceptions of India. This strategy not only strengthens bilateral relationships but also positions the diaspora as crucial stakeholders in India's global ambitions, thus making their involvement integral to shaping India's future on the world stage.

Related terms

Hindu Nationalism: An ideology that seeks to promote the interests of Hindu culture and values in Indian society, often associated with the BJP's policies and agenda.

Indian Diaspora:

The global community of Indians living outside India, which significantly influences India's international relations and cultural exchanges.

Non-Resident Indian (NRI): An Indian citizen who resides outside India, often contributing to India's economy through remittances and investments, and playing a vital role in diplomatic relations.