Renowned novelist Salman Rushdie has expressed strong views on Hindu nationalism in India, freedom of expression, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, stating his belief that Modi was responsible for certain aspects of the violence.

In an interview with Margaret Hoover, Rushdie was asked about a statement by New York politician Zohran Mamdani, who had described Modi as a "war criminal". Responding to the query, Rushdie said he believed Modi bore responsibility for specific aspects of the 2002 bloodshed in Gujarat, though he questioned the specific terminology used by the politician.

Rushdie also raised concerns over the rising tide of Hindu nationalism in India, noting deep-seated anxiety within literary and journalistic circles regarding mounting pressures on freedom of expression for writers, intellectuals, and academics.

According to Rushdie, the prevailing political environment is witnessing deliberate attempts to reshape historical narratives, marginalize minority communities, and expand ideological movements globally.