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Jul 13, 2026
Dr. Nidhi Shendurnikar

‘Citizen Vigilante’ - Europe’s Wake Up Call

Until a few weeks ago, there was hardly any buzz about ‘Citizen Vigilante’, starring Armie Hammer and directed by Uwe Boll. The film would have probably vanished into obscurity had it not been for news about it being restricted in the director’s home country Germany, and Elon Musk supporting it on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter). Even as it is being criticized as hateful, alt-right propaganda, anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, this 90-minute movie spotlights public attention and discourse towards the ongoing immigration crisis in Europe, with Muslim migrants from Africa, Middle East, Pakistan and Bangladesh flocking to the sub-continent especially from 2015, fleeing from humanitarian crises, political instability and authoritarian regimes in their own regions. Citizen Vigilante tells the story of Michael Sanders who assumes a ‘vigilante’ role frustrated, agitated by inaction on part of the political and legal system in Europe in effectively tackling rising crimes committed by migrants, their failure to integrate with European society and utter disrespect for Europe’s democratic and liberal values that have facilitated their refuge in the very first place. A ‘vigilante’ is someone who takes it upon himself/herself to serve justice, often disillusioned by the breakdown of existing law and order machinery, going beyond conventional means of dealing with problems plaguing society. The film’s message is loud, clear and direct – Europe cannot continue to suffer after importing millions of people into its borders, people who come from a starkly opposite culture and value orientation. With a background in the military and business stakes in Europe, Sanders – the vigilante is on a mission. Punish every migrant who refuses to obey the law of the land (not paying for tickets on public transport, littering streets, sexually harassing white women, bullying natives, murdering people on streets and raping young girls). The trigger here is the brutal gang rape of a 14-year old young girl by a group of Muslim Syrian immigrants who feel no remorse for what they have done, and whose family justifies their evil actions. Even as the young rape survivor fights for life, the perpetrators are acquitted on a flimsy yet dangerous basis – “integration has failed, they are carrying trauma from their conflict-ridden home country”. Liberal judges whitewash a horrific crime like rape, portray the migrant perpetrators as victims and wax eloquent about Europe’s failure to integrate teenage migrants into its society. Thus, stands up the ‘vigilante’ to fight for his people who have lost all faith and hope in a democratic, constitutional system. He merely fills a vacuum created by non-action on part of state institutions to protect native citizens. The film does not beat around the bush or try to be politically correct. It calls out the ‘elephant in the room’ for what it is – the takeover of Europe by radical Islamists, abdication of responsibility by the European state to protect its own citizens by prioritising vague ideas such as social justice, secularism and wokeness! The ‘Citizen Vigilante’ thus becomes a hero! Ordinary citizens admire him and wish there were one in America and Canada – countries which are also suffering as a result of incessant Islamic migration. Sanders goes about his job in anonymity and tells people he is “doing it for them until they learn to do it for themselves”. He confronts citizens and asks harsh questions of the system in the West for allowing unbridled migration to take place, ultimately leading to the destruction of Europe. The film ends powerfully when the ‘vigilante’ delivers the justice that was expected from the government. The film is said to be inspired from a real-life incident in Hamburg, Germany where a group of teenagers gang-raped a 14-year-old girl and yet walked free with suspended sentences. The ‘Ostrich Effect’ among the West’s woke, liberal circles are evident from a stoic silence on the matter of ‘Grooming Gangs’ in the UK, where the state apparatus colluded to deny justice to thousands of young British girls groomed by Muslim men of Bangladeshi and Pakistani origin. In June 2026, British MP Rupert Lowe stood in Parliament to expose decades of systemic institutional failure in a 219-page independent report that documents the harrowing experiences of victims of grooming. In India, films such as The Kashmir Files (2022), The Kerala Story (2023 & 2026), The Bengal Files (2025) were remarkable cinematic attempts to unearth the truth about Hindu genocide committed by Islamic extremists and bring it to the big screen. Citizen Vigilante is like Europe’s wake-up call to the imminent threat that looms large inside the region and on its borders, with a cause for alarm each passing day. The film hits them where it hurts the most – it directly questions European politicians, the intellectual class, administrative system, police and civil society about failing to confront a reality that now threatens to consume the very existence of Western Liberal societies. The most telling scene is when Interpol Chief Henry and Sanders have a conversation, both clearly with different views about how the ‘migrants’ question’, should be resolved. While Henry advocates a law-abiding approach, Sanders is quick to give a reality check on how the very freedom, democracy that Europeans now enjoy and want to so dearly protect will become a hostage to an ‘unfriendly takeover’ happening against the wishes of citizens. With patchy editing, a not so great storyline, scattered and incoherent scenes popping up in between which might leave the viewers confused, the film still has its heart at the right place. One needs to appreciate it for its intent, bold message over production value. A few aspects remain unclear about the ‘vigilante’ – for example, how does he manage to hide all the time and how does he single-handedly overpower police forces who seem helpless against his strategies. Tighter editing, better visual appeal and a compact storyline would have certainly created more impact. Nevertheless, the issue has been driven home well – Europe is at the brink; it’s now or never! Some nuances about the trauma faced by the victims of radical Islam, stories of suffering and citizens coming out in the open to support the ‘vigilante’ would uplift the film’s narrative in an emotional sense since the migrant crisis in Europe is an emotive issue. Renowned journalist and public intellectual Douglas Murray, in his book ‘The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam’ (2017), discusses what led to the state in which Europe finds itself today. Mass movement of people into Europe is, of course, an important factor. But the catastrophe is the way Europe has dealt with this mounting problem – “loss of faith in its beliefs, traditions and legitimacy, riddled with guilt for its past, embracing multiculturalism mindlessly, co-opted leadership and censorship on any honest discussion on the migrant issue.” A ‘Citizen Vigilante’ arrives and fills this vacuum caused by state failure, institutional collapse, manipulation of public discourse, denial of reality and shutting down any and every voice that emerges to talk about the future of European civilisation in the midst of this mammoth problem. The Vigilante tells Europe what Europe does not want to hear or pretends not to hear! The Vigilante tells Europe to wake up before it’s too late, before the West reaches a point of no return.

Jul 11, 2026
Ramaharitha Pusarla

India's Maritime Arc Gains Momentum with Indonesia

Indonesia is India’s closest maritime neighbour, separated by 100 nautical miles. Trump administration’s decision to restore the old name of US Pacific Command, an attempt to de-emphasise the Indo-Pacific, is now emerging as a powerful regional binding force with PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia. Revoking the nomenclature adopted in 2017 while extracting the region from the superpower contestations has prompted the littorals in the region to align and recentre energies for inclusive growth and prosperity. PM Modi embarked on a three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand on July 6th. Greeted with a historic welcome, with Indonesian Air Force F-16 and Sukhoi-30 fighter jets escorting Air India One after entering Indonesian airspace, upon his touchdown, PM Modi was accorded a gun salute. Warmly received by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and four Cabinet Ministers on the tarmac, PM Modi’s arrival in Jakarta was marked by unusual gestures of cordiality. The high notes of the diplomatic symphony, brimming with geniality, were witnessed in the grand ceremonial reception accorded to PM Modi at Istana Merdeka, the Presidential Palace. At the Official banquet, President Prabowo candidly admitted, “I follow your career, and I copy many of your programs. I don't mind admitting it because it succeeds for hundreds of millions of people with the same background as Indonesia”, and joked, “very happy that there is no copyright” on PM Modi’s program. The remarks, besides validating the governance initiatives of PM Modi, endorse the positive results of initiatives adopted from India. Indonesian delegation toured India to study agricultural innovations, and this open acknowledgement underscores growing policy cooperation between the countries. Displaying a rare camaraderie, President Prabowo accompanied PM Modi to the Indian Community reception, attended PM Modi’s address to the Joint Session of Parliament, and conferred on him the highest civilian award of Indonesia- Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna or Star of the Republic of Indonesia. President Prabowo’s invocation of “Indian DNA” claims, apart from his earlier revelations at the Presidential Banquet hosted by President Murmu on his India visit as Guest of Honour for the Republic Day celebrations in 2025, besides drawing smiles, highlighted the immense respect he holds for the cultural relationship with India. His special gesture of riding along with PM Modi for the launch of the India-assisted restoration of the Prambanan Temples, a display of deep mutual respect and appreciation for civilisational connections, earned the praise of millions of Indians. Built in the 9th century, the Prambanan Temple complex, the largest in Indonesia, is a magnificent Hindu architectural and engineering marvel. Dedicated to Trimurti- Bhagwan Shiva, Bhagwan Vishnu and Bhagwan Brahma- it stands as an enduring symbol of shared civilisational and cultural heritage. By spearheading the restoration of Hindu heritage centres across South East Asia, India is reclaiming its civilisational heritage. PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia, while setting a new benchmark in bonhomie and friendship, was compellingly significant in terms of bilateral outcomes. Besides reviving heritage beyond borders, the comprehensive and intensive discussions laid a strong foundation for a Free, Open, Inclusive Indo-Pacific. Sitting astride the crucial trade routes connecting the two oceans, Indonesia and India are the two most important maritime gatekeepers of the Indo-Pacific region. To beef up maritime security, countries have renewed a security cooperation arrangement between the Indian Coast Guard and BAKAMLA RI. Indonesia is also deploying a Liaison officer to the Information Fusion Centre- Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). Indonesia’s security challenges are twofold. Given its location along the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC), ensuring the safety of the waterways is both a matter of national security and an economic imperative. Additionally, the growing Chinese incursions into the North Natuna Sea are pushing the archipelago to the edge. Indonesia’s interest in enhancing engagements in traditional and emerging areas of defence cooperation stems from evolving security challenges. Along with the traditional aspects of cooperation- capacity building, information sharing, port calls and exchanges to strengthen maritime deterrence- Indonesia is purchasing India’s supersonic BrahMos missile system and indigenously built beyond-visual-range-air-to-air (BVRAAM) Astra Mk I missiles, a $630 million deal. Indonesia, which began talks on the BrahMos in 2021, fast-tracked the process after the missile’s performance during Operation Sindoor, becoming the third export customer after the Philippines and Vietnam. Interestingly, both BrahMos and Astra missiles can be integrated with Indonesia’s Air fleet comprising Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets. Indonesia is the first foreign customer of the Astra missiles. This procurement validates India’s evolving defence manufacturing capabilities. This also marks a major milestone in India’s journey as a defence exporter and underscores how defence exports are becoming an instrument of foreign policy. While defence acquisitions would bolster security and provide deterrence for broader economic and strategic integration, countries agreed to jointly develop Sabang Port, which overlooks the strategic Malacca Straits. An estimated 75-80% of Chinese oil imports pass through the Strait. Developing Sabang will help India counter China’s growing influence and presence in the Indian Ocean Region. Lying at the northern tip of Sumatra Island, Sabang is 90 nautical miles from Indira Point, the southernmost point of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which is India’s tri-service command centre. India is also working on the mega Great Nicobar transhipment port. Sabang can complement Great Nicobar Port and augment India’s strategic presence in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region. This can greatly boost its Act East Policy in terms of connectivity, forward- deployment logistics, and maritime tourism by expanding trade and unlocking commercial opportunities with Indonesia and Southeast Asia. By integrating Sabang with the Bay of Bengal ports, countries are realising the 2018 shared vision on Maritime Cooperation for the Indo-Pacific. Overseeing the critical maritime corridors and chokepoints Sunda, Lombok, Makassar and Malacca, Indonesia is the ultimate gatekeeper of the Indo-Pacific. Through the Sabang collaborative project and the missile hardware, India has created a defence canopy and an impenetrable maritime domain over the eastern gateway to the Indian Ocean. Securing access to Sabang will give India’s operational requirements for refuelling and maritime patrolling a huge fillip. Sabang, a submarine base under the Imperial Japanese Navy, was where Netaji Subas Bose alighted after a daring sub-to-sub (from German to Japanese submarine) transfer off the coast of Madagascar to take charge of the Indian National Army (INA) in 1943. Beyond security and defence and maritime cooperation, the comprehensive strategic partnership between the countries spans four additional areas - economic and trade cooperation, health, pharma, food and energy security, people-to-people relations and civilisational connect. Synergising the developmental visions of both countries, Viksit Bharat 2047 and Indonesia Emas 2045, and seeking broader economic integration, the countries are now operationalising guidelines for trade in national currencies. Bilateral trade with Indonesia, India’s second-largest trading partner, has expanded from $4.3 billion to $38.34 billion in 2023-24. With a population of 288 million, Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country. The country holds Presidential, national, and regional elections on a single day. The arduous process of manual vote counting and exhaustion caused by it led to the death of over 500 election officials in 2019. In 2024 polls, despite government measures, close to 100 election volunteers died and over 4000 fell ill. The vital instruments of India’s robust election architecture, the EVMs, have set a new benchmark for being tamper-proof and accurate. Seeking to overhaul its voting system, Indonesia has signed an MoU for customising EVM technology, validating India’s voting system and putting to rest fraudulent allegations. Marking 100 years of Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Indonesia, countries have designated 2026-27 as the Tagore-Dewantara Year of Cultural and Educational Diplomacy. India has announced plans to establish IIM Bangalore’s first overseas branch at Singhasari SEZ. Reliable supplies of critical minerals have become a strategic priority for countries given their indispensability for the clean energy missions, defence technology and semiconductors. Monopolisation, weaponisation and export restrictions have raised concerns over the reliability of supply chains. West Asian crisis exacerbated it further. In the past two years, India has signed pacts with 35 countries to secure their access. Indonesia has the world’s largest reserves of nickel, essential for the clean energy transition and a raw material for stainless steel. India has signed an MoU for the development of rare earth magnets. Simultaneously, India’s SAIL is exploring a JV with Indonesian PT Krakatau Steel for setting up a stainless-steel slab manufacturing facility in India. Countries have also signed MoUs on health collaboration, space exploration, medical products registration, disaster management, telecommunications technologies and sharing expertise for building an Open Network based on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). India pledged 100 tonnes of high-quality DWR 162 Wheat seeds as part of food security cooperation. Bilateral ties evolved into a robust Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s visit in 2018. The trajectory of India-Indonesian ties, etched in brotherhood, as PM Modi recalled in his address to the Joint Session of the Parliament, has important geopolitical lessons. The shared struggle against imperial rule has been at the heart of the India-Indonesia brotherhood. India strongly supported Indonesian sovereignty. The reference to Odisha’s Biju Patnaik’s daring evacuation of Sukarno is a testament to the strong friendship between the countries. Sukarno was the Chief Guest for India’s first Republic Day celebrations in 1950. Leaders-PM Jawaharlal Nehru and President Sukarno championed Afro-Asian solidarity, anti-colonialism and non-alignment. Indonesia hosted the first Afro-Asian conference, a precursor to NAM, in Bandung in 1955. But the relations soured after Nehru refused to back Indonesia’s bid to hold the second edition of the conference. Driven by grandiose maritime ambitions, Sukarno began to side with Pakistan. In a sharp departure from a neutral stand on Kashmir, Sukarno sided with Pakistan. Indonesia even offered 5000 volunteers to Pakistan during the 1965 war with India and requested Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) to grant access to its airports. Sukarno reportedly lent a flotilla of six Russian-built frigates and two submarines to Pakistan. While China hasn’t entered the water, the Pakistan-China-Indonesia axis emerged as a major security threat for India during the war. Sukarno planned to seize the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI) and declared his plans for the “Indonesian Ocean”. In the early 1960s, Indonesia considered ANI to be an extension of Sumatra. Sukarno harboured ambitious maritime plans and made some aggressive attempts to takeover Papau New Guinea, straining ties with Australia as well. Stretched for resources to defend the continental frontiers, India barely had any force to defend the ANI. Six decades hence, India, the resident power of the Indian Ocean, has steadily emerged as a security provider for the region. Working under the frameworks of the East Asia Summit (EAS), the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and guided by the Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision, India and Indonesia have deepened maritime security cooperation. Sabang Port development and plans for integration with the Great Nicobar Project and the Bay of Bengal ports are a huge leap forward in the strategic maritime partnership. As maritime nations straddling vital trade routes, India and Indonesia are increasingly positioned as natural security providers of the Indian Ocean region. Anchored in centuries-old civilisational ties and shaped by contemporary geopolitical imperatives, the strong personal chemistry between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Prabowo Subianto has transformed diplomatic goodwill into concrete strategic outcomes, strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and reinforcing a shared vision for a secure, prosperous Indo-Pacific. References https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents?dtl/41408/List_of_Outcomes_Prime_Ministers_visit_to_Indonesia_July_06__08_2026 https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents?dtl/41413/IndiaIndonesia_Joint_Statement_on_the_State_Visit_by_Prime_Minister_of_India_to_Indonesia_July_06__08_2026