Gen Dwivedi’s religious visit alarms secular circles

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently visited the ashram of Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. The general's visit in uniform has posed a serious threat to the secular traditions of the Indian military. During this meeting, the spiritual leader reportedly urged the return of Pakistan-administered Kashmir as a "dakshina" (religious offering), a request the Army Chief is alleged to have accepted.

This incident underscores a dangerous trend of intertwining religion with state affairs, particularly within the military. In recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in the inclusion of religious rituals in official and military events, signalling a gradual drift away from the army’s secular foundations.

This development not only challenges the secular framework of India’s armed forces but also poses serious risks to regional stability. The merging of religious nationalism with military affairs may escalate tensions with neighboring countries—especially Pakistan—and further complicate the already volatile situation in Kashmir.

We urge the media to frame this issue as a dangerous encroachment of religion into the domain of the state and military.