India’s independence 60 years ago was closely followed by independence for several other countries in the region. While Pakistan became free at the same time as India, Sri Lanka won its freedom in 1948. Indonesia’s declaration of independence was drawn up in 1945, but it was only four years later that the Dutch recognized its independence. Malaysia celebrates its 50th year of freedom this year. South Korea declared independence in 1948, although that was followed two years later by a bloody conflict with its northern neighbour. And China became a People’s Republic in 1949. On the 60th anniversary of its independence, how does India compare with these countries? Mint compared these countries on scores of economic, social and environmental indicators. The results are mixed. While India’s growth rate is to be envied, the fruits of that growth are yet to be seen for large sections of its population. Only Pakistan has a lower per capita income, among the countries in our sample. The proportion of population living below $1 or Rs40.7 (in terms of purchasing power parity) a day is the highest in India. At the same time, the world is beating a path to India’s door. Indian corporations are not only competing with multinationals on the home turf, but have taken the fight to foreign shores. The challenge before the country is to reconcile these divergent trends.

See graphic: Full report1

See graphic: Full report1