Explained: RSS and India’s Foreign Policy: Vajpayee Vs Modi

In Investigation
July 14, 2025
Dinesh Singh Rawat
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This comparative report examines how the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has influenced India’s foreign policy under Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi. While Vajpayee maintained a pragmatic, non-ideological stance despite his RSS background, Modi’s tenure reflects a stronger alignment with civilizational nationalism, diaspora-driven diplomacy, and assertive geopolitical postures. The document explores ideological frameworks, major diplomatic events, and international responses to RSS-linked policy narratives.

New Delhi (ABC Live): The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), while not a formal policy-making body, has consistently shaped India’s political and cultural discourse. Under Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi—both affiliated with the Sangh—the influence of RSS ideals on foreign policy took distinct forms. While Vajpayee adopted a pragmatic and statesmanlike posture with restrained ideological overtones, Modi’s approach exhibits more assertive alignment with civilizational nationalism, reflecting deeper RSS influence.

1. Ideological Framework: Pragmatism vs. Civilizational Assertiveness

Vajpayee Era (1998–2004)

Vajpayee, though a lifelong swayamsevak, maintained a moderate diplomatic tone. His foreign policy was largely non-ideological, focusing on strategic partnerships, nuclear credibility, and economic diplomacy. The RSS had limited public engagement in shaping external policy, and Vajpayee often distanced himself from hardline elements, especially during communal tensions.

Modi Era (2014–present)

In contrast, Modi’s foreign policy is more ideologically infused, embracing the civilizational identity of Bharat. His frequent references to India’s ancient wisdom, religious symbolism in diplomacy (e.g., Ganga water rituals, Ramayana diplomacy), and outreach to global Hindu communities reflect Hindutva-aligned soft power goals. The RSS’s worldview, rooted in cultural nationalism, finds expression in both narrative and posture.

2. Key Diplomatic Decisions Reflecting RSS-Aligned Priorities

Vajpayee’s Highlights

Pokhran-II nuclear tests (1998): Asserted India’s strategic autonomy—welcomed by the RSS as a symbol of national strength. [1]
Lahore Declaration (1999) and Agra Summit (2001): Showed Vajpayee’s commitment to peace with Pakistan, despite RSS concerns. [2]
Engagement with the West and China: Structured through economic cooperation, not civilizational narratives. [3]

Modi’s Highlights

Proactive outreach to Israel (2017): First PM-level visit, aligned with RSS admiration for Israeli nationalism and security doctrine. [4]
“Act East” and Indo-Pacific strategy: More assertive than Vajpayee’s “Look East,” reflecting confidence in civilizational alignment with Southeast Asia. [5]
Diaspora Diplomacy: Mega events with overseas Indians, often co-organised with RSS-linked groups like HSS (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh). [6]
Tougher stance on Pakistan: Surgical strikes (2016) and Balakot airstrike (2019) strongly supported by RSS as nationalistic assertions. [7]

? Data Insight: India’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows under the Modi government increased from $30.93 billion in 2014–15 to $84.84 billion in 2021–22, partially attributed to strategic international engagements and diaspora diplomacy.

3. Global Posture and Strategic Messaging

Vajpayee

Vajpayee’s diplomacy was marked by consensus-building and restraint. He emphasised multilateralism and balanced strategic autonomy with dialogue. His tone was inclusive and rooted in India’s democratic ethos. [8]

Modi

Modi projects a muscular image of India—self-reliant, bold, and rooted in ancient glory. International engagements are often framed around cultural pride, spiritual heritage, and Hindu civilizational values. This aligns with the RSS vision of reclaiming India’s place as a “Vishwa Guru” (global teacher). [9]

? Global Influence Index: According to the 2023 Lowy Institute Asia Power Index, India ranked 4th in diplomatic influence in the Indo-Pacific, up from 6th in 2015, reflecting Modi’s active engagement.

4. RSS-Affiliated Cultural Outreach and Diaspora Influence

Under Vajpayee

Diaspora engagement was largely institutional and consular, with limited involvement from ideological affiliates. Cultural diplomacy was present but understated. [10]

Under Modi

RSS-affiliated groups like the HSS, VHP Global, and Overseas Friends of BJP have become key players in organising diaspora events. The narrative often blends religious identity, political support, and cultural pride. This approach has led to stronger connections with global Hindu communities, but also drawn scrutiny in Western democracies concerned about religious pluralism. [11]

? Diaspora Outreach Metrics: Between 2014 and 2022, Prime Minister Modi held over 30 major public engagements with Indian diaspora across 15 countries, including Madison Square Garden (2014) and Wembley Stadium (2015).

5. International Response and Criticism

Vajpayee Era

International perception of Vajpayee was largely positive. His image as a poet-diplomat helped offset RSS ties. The nuclear tests were controversial, but later diplomacy (e.g., Clinton’s visit in 2000) restored balance. [12]

Modi Era

Modi’s global image is more polarising. While many nations admire his decisive leadership and investment focus, others express concern over religious intolerance, minority rights, and the rising influence of Hindu nationalism, often attributed to RSS ideology. International watchdogs like USCIRF have flagged India’s declining religious freedom since 2014. [13]

? Religious Freedom Score: India’s rating by Freedom House for religious freedom dropped from 3/4 in 2010 to 1/4 in 2023, coinciding with increased scrutiny of RSS-aligned narratives.

Conclusion: Two Paths, One Ideological Shadow

While both Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi emerged from the same ideological lineage, their approaches to foreign policy diverged significantly. Vajpayee remained pragmatic, keeping RSS influence largely behind the scenes. Modi, however, has allowed the RSS’s cultural vision to shape India’s international identity more openly, through symbols, language, and strategic postures.

As India navigates a multipolar world, the RSS’s imprint on foreign policy—particularly under Modi—represents a civilizational turn in global diplomacy, blending nationalism with soft power, identity with realpolitik.