Program Concept


India as Global Power: Practicing Liberal Values at Home and Abroad

India is widely seen as an emerging global superpower—its economy has proven to be robust during the recent global downturn, the nuclear deal has given a special global status and the US has come to see it as a friend in Asia (though not in the world), the EU desires larger role for it, and people around the world respect it as an ancient civilization with great cultural and religious diversity, based on non-violence, tolerance, and spirituality. The MPS Asia Regional Meeting 2011 addresses three broad issues on the theme of India’s potential emergence as global power and the practice of liberal values. Though the questions are couched in reference to India, most of the issues have international dimension and relevance.

  1. What are the internal challenges India still confronts in realizing her dream of a superpower? Though Indian economy has been growing at 7-8% annually, many of her citizens are unable to benefit by this growth and feel left out even more. Significant parts of India are under Naxal influence, several areas are suffering from secessionist movements, and many ethnic and religious conflicts have strong economic dimension. The second generation of economic reforms needs to address this critical issue of inclusive growth. It also requires fundamental changes in the working of the Indian democratic system—it needs to become more inclusive, accountable and transparent. Both economic and political system reforms are necessary for India to fulfill her tryst with destiny.
  2. How should India engage regionally and internationally? Despite being the largest economy in the region, India has a long way to go to earn the respect, goodwill and trust of her close neighbours. China’s growth, military power, and international influence require rethinking of the engagement not just on the part of India but also for the global community. The nuclear deal with the US has given a unique standing to India but its evolution needs deeper thinking and better understanding. The challenges of development and democracy in Africa are serious and at the same time offer an opportunity to apply lessons of reforms from Asia and around the world.
  3. Would India bring any different approach to the working of the international system and the role of a global power? It is very timely and worthwhile to ask whether India would behave differently from other super powers, would it set a new role model as a super power. Would an ancient civilization with a recent birth as a democratic nation through a non-violent struggle against the British and with high levels of family tradition and spirituality bring a different set of values and exercise of power to the international stage? In the aftermath of the financial crisis , a new shape needs to be given to various fora for international cooperation, the global rules of the game must be re-engineered.