As India seeks to become a global power, it faces a multitude of internal and external challenges. Discuss these challenges in the context of its regional geopolitical situation, economic growth, and social diversity.(GS-II: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS)(UPSC CSE 2023)

Answer.

Introduction:

India, a diverse and rapidly developing nation, aspires to establish itself as a global power as,India gaining significant influence in international affairs due to its growing economic prowess, military strength, and diplomatic reach. Yet, its path is strewn with complex challenges stemming from geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, and inherent social diversities.

The Body:

Geopolitical Situation:

• • Border Disputes: India and China’s most recent border clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020 led to widespread public unrest and a call for boycotting Chinese goods in India, highlighting how such conflicts can permeate into social and economic spheres.
  • Regional Influence: For example, the Citizenship Amendment Act (2019) faced criticism from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Afghanistan. This resulted in social tension within India and strained diplomatic relations, affecting Indian communities in these countries.
  • Terrorism and Security: In Jammu and Kashmir, the ongoing conflict has claimed thousands of lives. In 2019 alone, the region witnessed 1,586 incidents of violence, and about 283 security forces were killed.
  • Foreign Policy: H-1B visa policy changes by the US, for instance, affected a significant number of Indians working in the US, causing social and economic disruption.
  • Nuclear Deterrence: The nuclear tests conducted by India (and subsequent ones by Pakistan) in 1998, though decades ago, had led to an international outcry and economic sanctions, which impacted the Indian economy and society.

Economic Growth:

• • Inequality: According to the Oxfam Inequality Report 2020, India’s richest 1% hold more than four times the wealth held by the bottom 70% of the country’s population.
  • Urban-Rural Divide: In 2021, the World Bank reported that about 66% of India’s population still lived in rural areas, with limited access to essential amenities.
  • Unemployment: The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) reported an unemployment rate of 7.11% in India in 2021, highlighting a critical challenge in the country’s economic growth.
  • Informal Economy: According to a 2018 ILO report, 81% of all employed persons in India make a living by working in the informal sector.
  • Environmental Impact: A 2020 report visualized that 22 of the world’s 30 most polluted cities are in India.

Social Diversity:

• • Caste and Religion: As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, crimes/atrocities against scheduled castes increased by over 7% from the previous year.
  • Language: According to the 2001 Census, India has more than 19,500 languagesor dialects , which can cause social integration challenges and regional disparities.
  • Gender Inequality: The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2020 ranked India 112th out of 153 countries in terms of gender parity.
  • Regionalism: The long-standing demand for separate states in India, like the Gorkhaland in West Bengal and Bodoland in Assam, as antagonism during covid are examples of regionalism challenging national unity.
  • Access to Education and Health: According to UNESCO, in 2020, over 17 million Indian children and youth were out of school. Meanwhile, healthcare access remains disparate, as highlighted by the healthcare challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Way Forward

• • Balanced Economic Policies: Develop economic policies that balance growth with inequality reduction. Prioritize employment generation, skill development, and support to the informal sector. Aim for inclusive economic growth that leaves no one behind.
  • Promote Social Equality: Enforce stricter laws and regulations against discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. Promote cultural integration and mutual respect for all languages and cultures. Implement measures to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.
  • Regional Integration: Acknowledge regional aspirations and grievances. Autonomy, decentralization, and inclusive policies can be used to address issues of regionalism.
  • Public Awareness and Participation: Foster a sense of national unity and shared cultural heritage among the diverse population. Use media, education, and public platforms to promote awareness and encourage public participation in nation-building.
  • International Cooperation: Engage actively in international platforms for cooperation and collaboration, to learn from global best practices, secure necessary aid and support, and contribute to global development.

Conclusion:

India’s journey to become a global power is riddled with diverse challenges. Successfully navigating these geopolitical, economic, and societal hurdles requires balanced policies, social equality, regional integration, public participation, and international cooperation. By leveraging its unique strengths and addressing these complexities, India can ascend as a global power, setting a precedent for other emerging nations.