Indian Army Chief’s visit to Hindu spiritual leader sparks concern over military secularism

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi’s recent visit, in full military uniform, to the ashram of Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, has sparked serious concerns over India’s secular military traditions and the potential impact on regional peace.

The recent visit of Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to the ashram of Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Ram BhadrAcharya, where he appeared in full military uniform, poses a serious threat to the secular traditions of India’s armed forces.

During the meeting, the spiritual leader reportedly urged the Army Chief to “take back Pakistan-administered Kashmir as Dakshina (a religious offering),” a request that the General allegedly accepted.

This incident highlights a dangerous trend of intertwining religion with state affairs—particularly the military. There has already been a marked increase in the inclusion of religious rituals in official and military ceremonies in recent years, signaling a gradual departure from the military’s secular foundations.

Such developments not only undermine the secular structure of India’s armed forces but also pose grave risks to regional stability. The fusion of religious nationalism with military objectives could further inflame tensions with neighboring countries, especially Pakistan, and exacerbate the already fragile situation in Kashmir.

The media is urged to treat this incident as a concerning example of religion encroaching upon the institutions of state and the armed forces, which could have far-reaching implications for peace and security in South Asia.