India faces growing scrutiny over human rights

Significance

A search by tax officials of BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai in February came just weeks after the broadcaster aired, in the United Kingdom, a two-part documentary critical of Modi. Several observers say freedom of expression is declining in India.

Impacts

• If the sentence against Gandhi is ultimately upheld, Congress may be forced to rethink its strategy for the 2024 general election.
• The government’s sensitivity to external criticism will make it easier for India’s diplomatic partners to fall foul of Delhi.
• Critics of the Modi administration will continue to argue that the space for dissent is shrinking.