A recent commentary penned by Zhang Jiadong, Director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, featured in China’s Global Times, hails Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his exceptional achievements over the past years. The opinion acknowledges India’s economic growth, advancements in urban governance, and a notable shift in its international relations and trade.
Economic And Social Milestones:
Zhang commends India’s significant strides in economic development, positioning it among the world’s fastest-growing major economies. This success extends beyond the economic realm, with marked improvements in urban governance evident in enhanced public environmental conditions, particularly in New Delhi.
He states “New Delhi has made progress in urban governance. Although the haze is still serious, the distinctive smell that hit you as soon as you stepped off the plane four years ago has generally disappeared. This suggests that the public environment in New Delhi has improved”.
Diplomatic Landscape Transformation
The article states that engaging with Indian representatives revealed a more open and moderate stance towards Chinese scholars, departing from previous rigid positions. It states that the focus has shifted from criticizing China’s measures to reduce trade imbalances to actively exploring India’s export potential and initiatives to decrease the trade deficit.
India’s Strategic Confidence
India’s rapid economic and social development has bolstered its strategic confidence, leading to a proactive approach to shaping a unique “Bharat narrative.”, the article says. Modi’s multi-alignment strategy has evolved into a great power strategy, fostering ties with the US, Japan, Russia, and other nations. India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict was also commended noting how the country positioned itself more closely with the developing world instead of succumbing to Western pressure.
Political And Cultural Emphasis
The author notes how India has shifted from emphasizing democratic consensus with the West to highlighting the “Indian feature” of democratic politics, aiming to establish an “India’s version of democracy.” This move seeks to shed historical perceptions of India as a “political dwarf” and position it as a global political and cultural mentor, says the author.
Global Cultural Influence
India’s efforts to build a robust “Bharat narrative” extend beyond its borders, as seen in initiatives like the “Knowledge India Visitors Programme.” External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s emphasis on economics, development, politics, and culture underscores India’s ambition to be recognized as a great power with cultural traditions at its core.
He points out “Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the importance of building a strong “Bharat narrative” and explained the “Bharat narrative” in terms of economics, development, politics, and culture. Obviously, India no longer only regards cultural tradition as a channel to achieve its own interests or as a symbol to attract foreign tourists, but also sees it as one of the pillars of India’s status as a great power“.
Strategic Policy Adjustments
India’s recent policy adjustments align with its consistent approach, transitioning from multi-balancing to multi-alignment less than a decade ago. Presently, the nation is swiftly transforming towards positioning itself as a pole in the multipolar world, a rarity in the history of international relations.
He lauded the Modi government that “it has only been less than 10 years since India shifted from multi-balancing to multi-alignment, and now it is rapidly transforming toward a strategy of becoming a pole in the multipolar world. The speed of such changes is rarely seen in the history of international relations“.
As India emerges as a major geopolitical factor, both the nation and the international community must navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with a transformed, stronger, and more assertive India, the article concludes.
Even the adversaries are in awe of India emerging as a strong and assertive ‘Bharat’ under PM Modi.
(With inputs from Global Times)
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