Modi’s policies have justified the creation of a theocratic Pakistan. India keeps losing one battle of ideas after another. First, by becoming a Hindu Pakistan and then by reshaping an ancient faith tradition as Abrahamic Hinduism.

A businessman should know that perennial social conflict fuelled by low-level religious violence is not good for business. Business needs social harmony to grow and prosper.

In India, toxic propaganda and polarisation have so impacted the Hindu psyche that bigotry will not come down if India is declared a Hindu nation, as Hasan Suroor has suggested. The plight of Muslims may even worsen.

The BJP’s decision to suspend Nupur Sharma, on the back of outrage from West Asian countries, reflects the assertion of religion in politics and international affairs – a trend that is intrinsically dangerous.