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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leader of the world’s largest democracy, plans to make his first official state visit to the United States later this month. Quite a change from 2005, when Modi was denied a U.S. visa based on his questionable human rights record. Since becoming PM, he’s traveled several times to the U.S., and many in the South Asian diaspora have welcomed him. Indeed, he has filled stadiums.
But Modi’s politics have been highly divisive, with his government’s treatment of Muslim populations and other minorities coming in for widespread criticism. So, what are the reasons for his popularity at home and abroad? How much overseas support is contributing to Modi’s popularity and success? And what kind of an impact could progressive elements of that diaspora have on Indian politics?
Anjali Arondekar, professor of Feminist Studies at the University of California Santa Cruz and founding co-director of the university’s Center for South Asian Studies joined me to sift through these and other questions. I hope you enjoy listening.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers a speech during an event in Sydney, Australia on May 23, 2023.
(AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Vinita Srivastava, The Conversation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition politicians are courting the diaspora in the run-up to next year’s elections in India. What role does the diaspora play in Indian politics?
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Special counsel Jack Smith prepares to talk to reporters on June 9, 2023, after the indictment of former President Donald Trump.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Gabriel J. Chin, University of California, Davis
There are 38 felony charges against former President Donald Trump, and while it’s unlikely, he could potentially be sentenced to serve 400 years if found guilty on all of them.
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A drag show in Nashville, Tenn., during Day One of Nashville Pride 2022.
Mickey Bernal/Getty Images
Mark Satta, Wayne State University
The law passed by Tennessee legislators that banned many drag performances violated the First Amendment. A legal scholar explains the judge’s decision in the case.
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Ludovic Slimak, Université de Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier
Meet the archeologist who is overhauling our understanding of early human history.
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Anja du Plessis, University of South Africa
The primary reasons for the systemic collapse include poor operation, defective infrastructure, the absence of disinfection chemicals, and lack of monitoring.
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Damien Kingsbury, Deakin University
A negotiator in early talks to free Phillip Mehrtens from West Papuan independence rebels explains the current stalemate and what might happen now.
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Alison Donnell, University of East Anglia
Windrush has turned out to be a defining moment in telling the story of Britain, with writing by Caribbean migrants fundamental to exposing the realities of the British empire.
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Michael Landreh, Karolinska Institutet; Anna Rising, Karolinska Institutet
The surprising parallel between spider silk spinning and fibres toxic to humans could lead to new clues about how to fight neurodegenerative disorders.
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Eric Lamb, University of Saskatchewan
Building a culture where fire is respected rather than feared is essential to maintain resilient landscapes.
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Christopher Morris, University of Portsmouth
Ground flooded by the Nova Kakhovka dam’s destruction may struggle to bear the weight of tanks and artillery.
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