Even though domestic inabilities will continue to moderate New Delhi’s ability to influence the world order, being unwilling to be a ‘global rule shaper’ would be a strategic blunder.
Why India should be a global power?
India’s relation with International nations- India has maintained good relationship with global powers.
Russia- Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation since 1971, and it is a strategic defence partner to India.
US- India signed three military agreements over logistics, military intelligence and secure communication.
India’s relation with neighbourhood countries- India need to maintain strategic defense in all its borders.
Nuclear countries- China and Pakistan close to its borders.
India is sandwiched between Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran) and Golden Triangle (Laos. Myanmar, Thailand)
Indian Economy- It is world’s 5th largest economy, where the nominal GDP could soon touch 4 trillion dollar.
Foreign exchange reserve has grown to around $600 billion, FDI inflows in India is consistently increasing from 2015-16, with highest share from Mauritius in FY2022-23.
Defence- It is one of the largest militaries in the world with over a hundred nuclear weapons.
As per SIPRI report 2022, India ranks 4th in global military expenditure.
Geopolitical significance
QUAD- It is a quadrilateral security dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia to contain China.
Peace talks- India is believed to mediate talks between Russia and Ukraine to end war.
G20 Presidency- With the theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” it is striving for inclusive, action-oriented, ambitious agenda.
Dynamic foreign policy- India stands with the motto “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means “the world is family”.
Health-
Vaccine diplomacy- Around 71 countries received vaccines during COVID pandemic.
Pharmacy of the world- India stands 1st in the supply of low cost generics, vaccines and affordable HIV medicines
Why India should focus on governance?
Poverty- As per Niti Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023, 1 in 7 Indians are multidimensionally poor due to marginal improvement in indicators like nutrition and access to education.
Per Capita Income- India’s GDP per capita was 1,947 dollars in 2021 whereas Bangladesh GDP per capita was 2,227 dollars.
Bangladesh is 40th largest military spending in the world it focus more on the wellbeing of the citizens.
Poor skill deficit-India has the largest demographic dividend but it accounts for only 10% formal sector.
Infrastructural deficit- India still lacks connectivity and infrastructure growth in rural and remote areas.
Governance issues-Thereare issues of corruption, red tapism which poses a major challenge as bureaucratic hurdle.
As per Corruption perception index 2022, India ranks 85 among 180 countries.
Domestic challenges- Regionalism, caste conflicts, ethnicity related issues still plague India’s internal security
Unemployment-The strategic shift from agriculture to service sector leads to jobless growth in India.
Gender inequality- India ranks 135 out of 146 countries as per Global Gender Gap Index 2022.
What lies ahead?
Embrace power- India should influence and shape the global order to meet its foreign policy objectives which would have significant impact on its growth and security.
Climate Change- As developed countries show less interest in financing developing countries, India should voice the concern of Global South countries.
Job creation- India should open up avenues for skill development and foster employment opportunities.
Schemes like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana should be used optimally to utilise its potential.
Gender Sensitisation- There is a need to inculcate the values of gender equality through gender awareness program, increase labour force participation rate.
