India's civilizational arguments in south Asia: from Nehruvianism to Hindutva.

The article examines India's use of civilizational discourses in its foreign policy, focusing on South Asia, where territorial nation-states and competing cultural identities challenge India's civilizational claims. It contrasts two main narratives of Indian civilization: the pluralistic, secular vision associated with Jawaharlal Nehru and the religiously anchored, majoritarian Hindutva ideology that has gained prominence since 2014. Despite the rise of Hindutva's civilizational symbolism, India's official South Asia policy remains largely consistent with earlier approaches, emphasizing stable partnerships rather than territorial or cultural reunification projects like Akhand Bharat (undivided India). The article highlights that while Hindutva-inspired domestic rhetoric raises concerns among neighboring states about Indian cultural hegemony, these claims have not translated into formal foreign policy shifts, reflecting the complex interplay between civilizational narratives, territorial nationalism, and regional geopolitics in South Asia.