Active Stocks
Thu Mar 28 2024 15:59:33
  1. Tata Steel share price
  2. 155.90 2.00%
  1. ICICI Bank share price
  2. 1,095.75 1.08%
  1. HDFC Bank share price
  2. 1,448.20 0.52%
  1. ITC share price
  2. 428.55 0.13%
  1. Power Grid Corporation Of India share price
  2. 277.05 2.21%
Business News/ Specials / 2014 Anniversary Special/  World: Faltering Ambitions
BackBack

World: Faltering Ambitions

7 years ago, India was more than just another emerging economy. With 8% plus economic growth, effective military and closer ties with the West, it was viewed as democratic answer to China

In 2005, India and the US overcame half a century of mistrust and signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement. Photo: AFPPremium
In 2005, India and the US overcame half a century of mistrust and signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement. Photo: AFP

The emerging power

Seven years ago, India appeared to be more than just another emerging economy. With economic growth in the 8% plus range, a large and effective military and ever closer ties with Western powers, it was viewed as a democratic answer to China.

In 2005, India and the US overcame half a century of mistrust and signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement. The deal, in effect, legitimized India’s nuclear weapons—the only country that was legitimately allowed to possess a nuclear arsenal that was not a permanent member of the UN Security Council and not among the “haves" in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

By 2007, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s crowning moment was at hand. He was also encouraged by the West in his efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue with Pakistan. The strongman in Islamabad, General Pervez Musharraf, was willing. New Delhi also seemed to be mending fences with three other neighbours—Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

India, finally, was getting the recipe right for becoming a Great Power: a pacific neighbourhood, robust economic growth and the right politico-military balance. What served it even better was the insulation of its foreign policymaking apparatus from the rough and tumble of domestic politics. Having a “weak", politically challenged, prime minister had its own advantages. He could train his eyes on furthering India’s interests abroad while ambitious local politicians squabbled at home.

The receding horizon

In 2014, India is no longer the emerging giant it was once thought to be. Two trends exhibit this clearly. Domestically, the United Progressive Alliance government has had little energy and time to devote to foreign policymaking after the initial burst of enthusiasm. A series of corruption cases at the highest level of government and a shaky coalition ensured that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could do little to pursue his dreams of projecting India abroad.

The results are to be seen everywhere.

Pakistan, appeased to an unusual degree, is biding its time until it gets a “better" deal from India. This year is ominous in that respect: The withdrawal of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) forces from Afghanistan and the state assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir should whet its appetite for adventure. With China, again, India has been virtually bullied into submission. So much so that the pace of progress is glacial in its relationship with the one country, Japan, with which India should march forward to strike a constructive strategic engagement. These are the results of waffling and loss of initiative in the last seven years and the re-emergence of jaded thinking about India’s role in the world.

The high point in 2007

India and Pakistan almost came to an agreement on the Kashmir issue. The process was to involve a gradual withdrawal of troops from both sides of the border and progressively make it meaningless and irrelevant. There was to be no re-drawing of the map or exchange of territory and population. It did not come to pass. From 2007, Pakistan’s president Pervez Musharraf got into trouble again and again. His domestic involvements left him no room to pursue the matter to its conclusion. India on its part dithered until its Kashmir moment passed away. Why did India let that opportunity slip? Was it excessive caution or genuine fears that a deal on Kashmir would not be the end of India’s troubles with Pakistan? Whatever the reasons may have been, it was one chance that India should have explored carefully.

2014: from a low base

Ending the drift in India’s relations with other countries for the past seven years requires a strong leadership. There are many ties that are in need of urgent repair. India’s relations with the US, quite cool in the Barack Obama years, caught a chill after the Devyani Khobragade affair.

Bringing back the warmth in India-US ties will not only require deft diplomacy but also some political direction. That is not visible at the moment.

The other relationship that needs careful nurturing is with Japan.

India needs to do more than just invite the Prime Minister of Japan as a Republic Day guest. India has been a reluctant partner with Japan in carrying out defence exercises. It needs to shed this reluctance.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
More Less
Published: 03 Feb 2014, 02:14 AM IST
Next Story footLogo
Recommended For You
Switch to the Mint app for fast and personalized news - Get App