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<p>This article examines how populist discourse—particularly hypermasculinity and symbolic idioms—has shaped Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy discourse toward China. While Modi’s strategic decisions often follow realist and multilateral principles to an extent, his rhetoric reflects some populist elements aimed at consolidating domestic support. Through a Critical Discourse Analysis of key moments in the Doklam (2017) and Galwan Valley (2020) standoffs, the article highlights how Modi projected strength and resolve to the Indian public while pursuing diplomatic engagement with China. By framing his strongman persona through charged idioms, such as having a “56 inch broad chest” and “showing red eyes,” Modi transformed international tensions into opportunities for domestic image-building. This study contributes to scholarship on populism in international relations, particularly in the Global South, where foreign policy increasingly intersects with domestic political narratives. It also reflects on the limits of populist foreign policy.</p>

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Broad chest and red eyes: Idioms and symbolics of populism in Modi’s foreign policy discourse toward China

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月19日

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  • Nishant Upadhyay

摘要

This article examines how populist discourse—particularly hypermasculinity and symbolic idioms—has shaped Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy discourse toward China. While Modi’s strategic decisions often follow realist and multilateral principles to an extent, his rhetoric reflects some populist elements aimed at consolidating domestic support. Through a Critical Discourse Analysis of key moments in the Doklam (2017) and Galwan Valley (2020) standoffs, the article highlights how Modi projected strength and resolve to the Indian public while pursuing diplomatic engagement with China. By framing his strongman persona through charged idioms, such as having a “56 inch broad chest” and “showing red eyes,” Modi transformed international tensions into opportunities for domestic image-building. This study contributes to scholarship on populism in international relations, particularly in the Global South, where foreign policy increasingly intersects with domestic political narratives. It also reflects on the limits of populist foreign policy.