The Pursuit of Major Power Status by India
In the realm of world politics, the pursuit of international status is a double-edged sword for major powers and emerging powers alike.
On one hand, this pursuit can drive countries to enhance their economic, military, and technological strength, thereby boosting their global influence and soft power through strategic cultural, educational, and diplomatic efforts.
This ambition has spanned from the Jawaharlal Nehru era to the present day under Narendra Modi's leadership. Since economic liberalization in 1991, India has made significant progress and ranked as the fifth largest economy in the world by 2022.
India's greatest asset lies in its human capital. With a population of 1.42 billion, India became the most populous country in the world in April 2023. By 2036, 65% of India's population will be between 15 and 59 years old, making it the country with the largest working-age population in the world.
However, an overemphasis on international status may lead to improper resource allocation, prioritizing grand projects while neglecting domestic basic needs, and intensifying tensions with adversarial nations. Therefore, while the desire for status is well-intentioned when coordinated with prudent governance and sustainable development, it may backfire if it leads to neglecting domestic priorities and causing international discord.
Source: Geopolitics
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831252321679360/
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