India's Great Power Ambitions: Balancing Domestic Priorities and Global Influence : Daily News Analysis

Date : 25/07/2023

Relevance: GS Paper2; Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests

Keywords: Unipolar world, Multopolar world, Non-Aligned Approach

Context -

  • India's aspirations to become a great power have sparked debates, with some advocating assertive international engagement while others prioritize addressing domestic challenges.
  • However, it is essential to consider the global consequences of India's rise while acknowledging inherent limitations. Striking a delicate balance between shaping the world order and attending to domestic concerns is crucial, as it will not only define India's future but also shape the destiny of its burgeoning population.

India Must be the New Champion of Globalisation

India's Transformation:

  • Looking back at India in 1991, it was a weak and impoverished nation with a foreign exchange reserve of $5.8 billion and a nominal GDP of $270.11 billion. Approximately 50% of its population, totaling 846 million, lived in poverty.
  • The prospect of a nuclear conflict with Pakistan and unrest in Kashmir added to the challenges faced by the country. Moreover, India's relationship with the United States was strained after the collapse of its trusted partner, the Soviet Union.
  • Fast forward to 2023, and India's transformation is remarkable. The foreign exchange reserve has grown to around $600 billion, providing a robust economic base. The fear of a war with Pakistan has diminished, but challenges posed by China have emerged.
  • India's economy has become the world's fifth-largest, and its nominal GDP is expected to reach $4 trillion soon. With a strong military and over a hundred nuclear weapons, India has solidified its position as a major player in the global arena. The country now enjoys strong relationships with several powerful states, including the United States.
  • India's visionary investments over several decades are yielding positive results, creating a favorable external atmosphere for its rise.

The Reality of Power:

  • Despite the economic growth and military strength, India's GDP per capita was $1,947 in 2021, which is relatively low compared to other major economies. For instance, Bangladesh, with a GDP per capita of $2,227, outperformed India in this aspect, despite being much smaller in military strength. This comparison highlights the discrepancy between material power and the well-being of citizens.
  • India also grapples with major infrastructural and governance challenges. While there have been improvements in the ease of doing business, bribery remains an issue when starting a business. Inadequate infrastructure leads to recurring problems, such as the capital city, New Delhi, facing significant disruptions during the monsoon season.
  • Furthermore, deep-seated regional, caste, ethnic, and religious divisions continue to be hurdles to national unity and progress. These domestic challenges demand political attention, which might divert focus from external engagements.

Balancing Domestic Priorities and Global Influence:

  • Critics argue that India should prioritize resolving domestic challenges before venturing into global affairs. They assert that focusing on uplifting millions above the poverty line and improving governance should be the primary objectives.
  • However, completely dismissing the country's role in shaping the global order would be a strategic blunder. As an emerging great power, India cannot afford to be merely a 'rule taker'; it must shape the rules to serve its foreign policy objectives and safeguard its economic growth, security environment, and geopolitical interests.
  • India's ability to influence international politics is intertwined with its domestic context. While it faces limitations, neglecting global engagement entirely would not be in its best interest. By participating in issues like debt restructuring, climate change, global trade, and non-proliferation, India can assert its influence and contribute positively to the global stage. Such engagements must, however, be pursued with a strong emphasis on the well-being of its citizens, ensuring that India's global role complements its domestic priorities.

Conclusion:

India's journey towards great power status presents a multifaceted dilemma that requires a nuanced approach. Striking a balance between domestic priorities and global influence is vital for India's sustained growth and impact on the world stage. By proactively shaping the international order and addressing domestic challenges simultaneously, India can define its future trajectory while ensuring the well-being of its 1.4 billion citizens. A thoughtful and strategic approach will enable India to navigate its great power ambitions responsibly and effectively.

Shifting Sands of Global Geopolitics:

Following World War II, a unipolar power structure emerged with the United States at its core. The global order relied heavily on the economic and military might of the US. However, this unipolar structure faced challenges when the Soviet Union emerged as a global power, leading to the Cold War in the 1960s. The Cold War came to an end in 1991 with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, briefly reviving a unipolar world. Yet, in the early 21st century, a multi-polar world order began to take shape with the rise of China, India, and Russia. Although the US still holds pre-eminence, other countries are rapidly advancing in various fields, reshaping the global power structure.

The Russia-China Factor:

Contrary to popular belief, the US's power and economy are not in decline. Since 1969, the US economy has consistently accounted for around 25% of global GDP. The rise of China has been partly reliant on access to American markets, which filled the void left by declining European and Russian markets and stagnation in Japan. China's One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR) aims to unify and dominate Eurasia, evoking historical concerns of European powers opposing the total unification of the continent. Russia, facing sanctions-induced isolation, has gravitated towards China, yet it remains uneasy about China's strategic objectives in Central Asia and Western Europe.

Economic Might and Global Power Play:

While economic strength is a significant determinant of a country's standing, it is not the sole factor in global geopolitics. Military power projection capabilities and active involvement in international institutions also play crucial roles. India has focused on advocating global institutional reforms to reflect the current geopolitical realities. Initiatives like seeking reforms in institutions such as the UN Security Council (UNSC), Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), and International Monetary Fund (IMF) underscore India's efforts to enhance its global influence.

India's Current Standing:

India has made notable progress since its nuclear tests in 1998, but it still lags behind major powers like the US in terms of economic and military strength. India has adhered to the principles of non-alignment and strategic autonomy, fostering harmonious ties with various powers. However, India's response to critical global issues needs to be more assertive and reciprocal to gain support from major powers.

Challenges and Future Outlook:

India faces competition from China and Pakistan, necessitating the development of friendly ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the US, and Russia to enhance its diplomatic influence. To strengthen its global standing and effectively address the challenges posed by China and Pakistan, India must prioritize economic reforms and increase military spending.

Rethinking the Non-Aligned Approach:

India's non-aligned approach has garnered both praise and criticism. As the global landscape evolves, India needs to adapt its strategy while preserving its strategic autonomy. A nuanced and proactive approach is necessary to safeguard national interests effectively.

India's position in the emerging world order hinges on a delicate balance of economic growth, military strength, and strategic flexibility. While non-alignment remains relevant, updating it to align with India's evolving stature is crucial. Pursuing a pragmatic and decisive approach will help India assert itself as a significant global player while safeguarding its national interests effectively. By actively engaging in global affairs and strengthening its economic and military capacities, India can carve out a more influential role in shaping the new global order


Probable Questions for UPSC Main Exam-

  1. Analyze India's transformation from 1991 to 2023, highlighting its economic and military growth. Discuss how this transformation positions India in the global power structure. (10 Marks,150 Words)
  2. Evaluate the challenges and dilemmas faced by India in balancing its domestic priorities and its aspirations to become a great power. How can India effectively shape the global order while ensuring the well-being of its citizens? (15 Marks,250 Words)

Source : The Hindu