As secularism faces increasing threats from fundamentalist, communal, and ultra-conservative forces across South Asia, the recent Pahalgam terror attack—a heinous act in which 26 tourists lost their lives—has further inflamed communal tensions and brought identity politics back into sharp focus. While such barbaric acts must be dealt with firmly, it is equally important to confront the surge of misinformation and hate speech on social media, which is fueling division and intolerance among citizens.

Social Media: Weaponizing Misinformation

In an era where secularism and tolerance are being dismissed as outdated concepts, unchecked disinformation has become a potent tool for jingoistic forces. The online campaigns being waged by hate-mongering groups—across religious lines—are filled with distortions and inflammatory rhetoric, inciting violence and bloodshed in the name of faith.

The Idea of India 

Secularism and inclusivity are foundational to modern India. These values have distinguished it from its South Asian neighbors, all of whom share a common colonial past. While India adopted a diverse and inclusive approach post-independence—embracing its multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-religious identity—many of its regional peers failed to follow suit. This divergence has led to ongoing sectarian, ethnic, and religious conflicts in the region.

Internally, these divisions have eroded peace and prosperity. Externally, border disputes, religiously motivated terrorism, cross-border migration, and regional rivalries have deepened mistrust among South Asian states, heightening geopolitical tensions.

Politics of Division

Domestic politics in much of South Asia, including in India, is increasingly characterized by confrontation rather than cooperation. The competition for power—along religious, ethnic, and regional lines—is creating deep societal fault lines, further destabilizing the region. Regional cooperation suffers as a result, with inter-state ties marred by hostility and suspicion.

The situation is compounded by the involvement of Western powers in domestic affairs and the strategic rivalry between India and China in the Indian Ocean. These factors undermine efforts at regional integration, despite past ambitions such as the now-forgotten idea of a common South Asian currency.

Religious Extremism, Democratic Backsliding

Misinformation campaigns led by religious extremists are fostering authoritarian tendencies under the guise of protecting faith. These trends threaten to erode the democratic fabric of South Asian societies. It is crucial to recognize that interfaith trust, harmony, and tolerance are not just moral imperatives—they are economic necessities for regional growth and development.

A Land of Faiths, Not One

South Asia has never been home to a single dominant religion. Historically, it has thrived as a land of diverse faiths, many of which evolved in coexistence and mutual adaptation. Before modern state boundaries were drawn, religious pluralism was deeply embedded in the region’s cultural identity. However, post-colonial politics have increasingly used religion as a divisive tool, undermining this legacy.

Majoritarianism and Lost Opportunities

The rise of majoritarian politics in several South Asian countries has damaged prospects for trade, cross-cultural engagement, and cooperation in critical sectors like climate change, public health, education, and technology. Instead of leveraging their shared heritage for collective benefit, many governments have chosen to emphasize differences—often to distract from domestic shortcomings.

From hopes of regional integration to today's divisive climate, South Asia’s trajectory has shifted dramatically. Cultural insensitivity and the erosion of human rights are rampant, as seen in the removal of diverse historical narratives from curricula, censorship of secular content, and religious reinterpretations of history.

India-Pakistan: Rethinking Conflict

As the adage goes, “you can change friends but not neighbors.” India and Pakistan, the two nuclear powers in the region, must seek a long-term diplomatic solution to their disputes. Advocating for war, especially given the military capabilities on both sides, is shortsighted and dangerous.

A collaborative, intelligent counterterrorism strategy—one that prioritizes diplomacy and minimizes collateral damage—is more effective than knee-jerk retaliation. In foreign policy, pragmatism must outweigh emotion. Economic cooperation and trade, not military escalation, offer the best path to regional peace.

Economic Hegemony, Global Realities

In today’s age of neo-realism, economic dominance often translates into political leverage. Loans, grants, and monetary aid have become tools of control, particularly over smaller nations with fragile economies. In this context, the global economic volatility—exacerbated by policies from the Trump era and broader Western conservatism—only compounds South Asia’s vulnerabilities. These dynamics weaken the region’s collective bargaining power and further hinder its aspirations for economic transformation.

If South Asia is to overcome its myriad challenges—from religious extremism to geopolitical rivalries—it must reaffirm its commitment to secularism, inclusion, and regional cooperation. The costs of continuing down the current path are too high—not only in lost opportunities but in human lives.

  (The writer is a columnist on contemporary issues and international affairs. Views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at vamshikrishnaalphahunsa@gmail.com)