Mr Modi’s background in Hindu nationalism also creates dangers beyond India’s borders. India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence. Disturbingly, Pakistan’s military doctrine is now based on the first use of tactical nuclear weapons, to counter any Indian invasion. Manmohan Singh, the outgoing Indian prime minister, exercised extraordinary restraint after the terrorist attacks on Mumbai in 2008, which were linked pretty incontestably to Pakistan. A government led by Mr Modi, who has a record of calling for retaliation against Pakistani-backed terror, would be likely to take a tougher and more dangerous stance in any future crisis.
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