British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, long known for his anti-immigrant stance, has sparked debate by repeatedly praising Indians, particularly Hindus, calling them allies within Britain. This unusual position contrasts sharply with his otherwise hostile rhetoric towards migrants, making headlines after his massive "Unite the Kingdom" rally in London drew over one hundred thousand supporters.
Robinson has described Indians as a “peaceful, peace-loving community” that integrates into British society, unlike other immigrant groups he often labels as threats to national identity. His comments have drawn criticism from both mainstream politicians and far-right rivals, who accuse him of making selective alliances to strengthen his political message.
Robinson’s sympathy for Hindus dates back to 2022, when clashes erupted between Hindu and Muslim groups in Leicester after an Asia Cup cricket match. At the time, he pledged to mobilize “hundreds of men” in support of Hindus if needed. He framed Hindus as victims of bias—ignored by politicians, sidelined by media, and unfairly targeted by Islamist groups.
He also openly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2024 election victory, calling it a “populist revolution.” On social media, Robinson congratulated India for “avoiding Islam and Communism for a third term,” framing Modi’s success as a win for values he believes Britain should emulate.
In his interviews, Robinson has urged Hindus in the UK to organize community defense networks similar to those built by British Sikhs. He argued that Hindus were “sitting ducks” when attacked, advising them to mobilize quickly and stand united rather than remain passive. While he acknowledged that many Hindus were reluctant to associate with him due to his far-right reputation, he encouraged them to ignore labels like “White Supremacist” and instead focus on solidarity.
Robinson’s narrative positions Hindus as allies in his broader campaign against Muslims, drawing a line between communities he praises for integrating and those he vilifies as “aggressors.” This selective appreciation has generated controversy, especially as Britain’s Indian community increasingly rejects the broader “South Asian” label that groups them with Pakistanis, who Robinson and others blame for grooming gang scandals.
By aligning himself with Hindus, Robinson seeks to rebrand his image from being an anti-immigrant hardliner to a defender of specific immigrant communities he deems compatible with British values. Whether this strategy strengthens his political standing or alienates broader audiences remains to be seen, but his rhetoric has certainly placed Britain’s Indian diaspora at the center of an unlikely far-right narrative.
