More than a century back, Vladimir Lenin described Imperialism as the highest state of capitalism, an outcome of the decay in capitalism. His analysis stands the test of time when we see a crisis-ridden capitalist order, which has failed to improve lives globally, resorting to desperate measures to ensure its survival, no matter what happens to the humanity. Consolidation of right-wing and far-right political forces globally in the tumultuous period post the financial meltdown of late-2000s - a sign of the cyclic failures of capitalism - came with the global right-wing’s attempts, blaming regulations and diverting the popular anger against neo-liberal policies to scapegoats like immigrants or minorities. The neo-liberal order was found itself ideologically failed to deal with the situation and oscillated between right to centrist positions and failed to forge broader alliances to check the growth of the right, leading to the survival of the inhuman capitalist order, in its imperialist form, led by the right-wing’s assault on labour rights, social security and general harmony in society. In our times, the situation has worsened further as there are signs of a Global Right-Wing Alliance emerging which is aggressive in its disdain for democratic norms itself. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US and his meeting with US President Donald Trump gave certain hints of this consolidation.
PM Modi’s meeting with US President Trump has two kind of outcomes for us in India, domestic and international. First, we can examine what his visit signified for us at home before moving towards the implications of right-wing consolidation at a global level. While the visit was marked by grand displays of bonhomie between Modi and Trump, beneath the glittering optics of joint statements and celebratory events, there remain deep-seated issues that expose the exploitative nature of the current global political and economic order. Modi’s reluctance to confront Trump on critical concerns—ranging from unjust tariff measures against India to the inhumane treatment of Indian deportees—reflects a broader failure of his administration to uphold Indian sovereignty and the rights of its people. Meanwhile, Trump’s aggressive approach towards trade and his threats to multilateral institutions such as BRICS reveal a larger imperialist agenda that aims to consolidate US hegemony.
While Modi and his supporters back home have dubbed the visit a great triumph, Trump’s protectionist policies - and they will eventually harm India - tell a different story. Away from the photo-ops, the Government of India is well aware of this reality. The Trump administration is trying to impose a series of tariffs and trade restrictions against India. These measures will harm Indian exports, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles and automobile parts. Further, Trump’s attempts at concentrating manufacturing in the US will be detrimental for Indian manufacturing as well, which is already in doldrums due to Modi Government’s mismanagement. Despite these overtly aggressive trade practices, Modi has refrained from taking a strong stance or even publicly addressing the issue. This is the outcome of reducing diplomacy to hand-shakes and hugs. A casual glance at headlines after Modi’s visit will reveal the anxieties in official circles regarding Trump. Whether it is MEA Dr. Jaishankar’s admission of India-China cooperation to preserve G20 or India’s resumption of trade talks with the UK and the EU, they all tell the same story, Trump in Oval Office marks the new level of warmongering and the exploitative character of imperialism.
In stead of questioning the role of NATO in Russia-Ukraine conflict and war, Trump started frightening the whole world speaking about World War III.
One of the most glaring failures of Modi's visit was his complete silence on the appalling treatment of Indian deportees by US authorities. Under the Trump administration’s immigration policies, hundreds of Indians—many of them skilled workers and asylum seekers—have been subjected to humiliating treatment. Reports of detainees being held in inhumane conditions, denied legal rights and deported in shackles have emerged, yet Modi chose not to raise these concerns during his meetings with Trump and the mistreatment continues. By not standing up to Trump’s trade war and the gross human rights violations with Indians, Modi has demonstrated a troubling willingness to appease Washington at the cost of Indian interests. In other words, PM Modi has sacrificed the interests of the country he leads at the altar of global right-wing consolidation and a few candid photographs.
Trump’s aggressive economic and foreign policies indicate a concerted effort to dismantle multilateral alliances like BRICS, which were conceived to stand up to US hegemony. The BRICS bloc was established to give a valid expression to emerging multipolarity on the globe, to create a more balanced global economic order, reducing reliance on Western financial institutions. However, Trump’s administration is threatening this coalition through economic coercion and diplomatic manoeuvring, while PM Modi of India, a prominent member of BRICS kept mum. By forcing trade deals that isolate BRICS members, slapping sanctions on nations that challenge US economic supremacy and using tariffs as a weapon, Trump is attempting to push the world towards a unipolar order dominated by the US. Modi’s reluctance to push back against these actions risks India’s sovereignty and its long-term economic interests. Further, the resilience of multi-lateral institutions is on test in front of the right-wing assault. Its not merely BRICS, but as it was suggested in MEA Dr. S. Jaishankar’s admission, integrity of blocs like the G20, whose summit India hosted with much fanfare, is at stakes today.
While Modi and Trump’s interactions may seem like an exercise in diplomacy, they also signal the growing consolidation of a global right-wing forces. This strand of thought was given further clear expression by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni - a leader said to be representing the legacy of Benito Mussolini. She said that a new “collaborative conservative movement” is emerging globally and cited US President Donald Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, herself and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as global representatives of this alliance. This alliance shares a common vision: protectionism for capital, suppression of labor rights and a disdain for migrants and minorities. Championing the free movement of capital, these right-wing forces are aggressively restricting the mobility of labor. Trump’s anti-immigration policies, coupled with Modi’s silence on visa restrictions affecting Indian professionals, demonstrate a shared contempt for workers while enabling corporate profit-making. The right-wing economic model, which prioritises the interests of large businesses over the welfare of the working class, is exacerbating global economic inequality.
If this right-wing coalition continues to strengthen, the consequences will be disastrous for the global working class, migrants and climate justice movements. Restricting labor mobility while promoting corporate expansion will further entrench poverty in certain regions while funnelling wealth into the hands of a few. Workers in the Global South will face shrinking job opportunities, and migrants will continue to be scapegoated for economic issues caused by neoliberal policies. Furthermore, right-wing leaders like Trump and Modi have shown little commitment to tackling climate change. Trump’s withdrawal from international climate agreements and Modi’s focus on pro-corporate environmental policies indicate that the interests of big business will always take precedence over sustainable development. Imperialist interests will cause and promote conflicts to move funds away from dire needs of populations towards the coffers of the military-industrial complex. If global policies continue down this path, overall degradation in standards of living for the majority and the environment will accelerate, disproportionately impacting the poorer nations and the poor in the wealthier nations.
To counteract this nefarious right-wing agenda, the world must look towards a pro-people alternative that challenges exploitative capitalism and US-led imperialism. Countries in the Global South must strengthen regional cooperation, invest in worker-centric policies and reject neoliberal frameworks that serve Western economic interests at the expense of local development. A renewed focus on strengthening multilateral institutions such as BRICS, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and regional trade agreements outside US influence is necessary. Additionally, global trade policies must be restructured to prioritise fair labor practices, environmental protection and economic justice for developing nations. The struggle against right-wing authoritarianism is not just an economic battle—it is a fight for dignity, justice and human rights. Progressive forces worldwide must unite against this dangerous tide, advocating for policies that uplift workers, protect minorities and ensure sustainable economic development. Only by rejecting the aggressive neoliberal policies of the Global Right-Wing forces, can we hope to build a more just and equitable world for future generations.
Kommentare