WHY INDIA?
Seventy-five years after gaining independence, India has joined the ranks of the world’s most powerful nations. With 1.4 billion people, it has surged past China in population and in its economic growth. Indian science and technology have triumphed over Russia’s in the race to the moon. India’s military is the fourth largest in the world, with its troops stationed along its borders with neighboring countries who also possess nuclear weapons.
How will India use its new clout in world affairs?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embraced the role of global leader whom everyone courts. His foreign policy remains fiercely independent. Building relationships with nations of the “Global South” is a priority. Modi believes that India can be an inspiration and a model for developing countries.
The United States sees its relationship with India as an essential pillar of American security and international stability. Prime Minister Modi has visited Washington and President Biden plans to go to India. America has benefitted tremendously from the flow of educated and entrepreneurial Indians to the US, with many now leading some of America’s most profitable companies.
Can anything hold India back?
India is a complicated, diverse, multicultural mosaic of ethnic and religious groups. Hindus, by far the largest group, dominate politics. Muslims, about 15% of the population, have grievances about their treatment by the Hindu majority. The caste system limits opportunities. Journalists are harassed. Women, ethnic groups and religious communities are vulnerable. Bureaucracies have enormous power.
More than 700 million Indians have risen from poverty – an extraordinary achievement! But enormous inequality traps millions more.
What will it take to keep this country together?
JOIN US for the 37th annual Camden Conference, INDIA: Rising Ambitions, Challenges at Home, February 16-18, 2024.
Ticket sales will begin for Members on November 1st and for the General Public on December 1st.
Watch our website for further information.