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The Global South plays a critical role in shaping the future of global affairs, economics, and culture. As the world becomes more interconnected, understanding and engaging with these nations is essential for achieving a more equitable and sustainable future. Coming from India, our international guest Samir Saran talked about his country’s development over the past three decades and also explained the hardships India faces in the 21st century.
India is significant on various fronts, making it a crucial player in the global landscape. Culturally, India boasts immense diversity, with thousands of languages, religions, and traditions contributing to a rich heritage that influences worldwide art, cuisine, and philosophy. Economically, it is one of the fastest-growing major economies, driven by a youthful population and robust sectors like information technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Geopolitically, India's strategic position in South Asia allows it to play a vital role in regional stability and international diplomacy. As the world's largest democracy, India emphasizes democratic values and human rights, making it a crucial ally in promoting global governance.
Furthermore, India's cultural soft power, expressed through Bollywood, yoga, and festivals, enhances its influence and fosters international relations. Together, these elements highlight India's importance as a key contributor to global culture, economics, and politics, shaping the future of international dynamics.
India in the past thirty years has gone through tremendous changes – said Samir Saran, senior advisor at The Asia Group and the President of Observer Research Foundation. He mentioned how India’s economy was for the longest time had been governed from a Communist perspective, which hugely affected the country’s economic development. Luckily India since then could leave these perspectives behind and could open itself up to the free market.
Mr. Saran highlighted the fact that millions of Indians live in diaspora all over the World expanding the country’s influence globally, therefore India must be concerned whenever crises erupt. They also must be aware of how their diaspora behaves as it can set up either good or bad stereotypes – he underlined. Regarding to policy he thinks India does not consider itself non-aligned, India wants to reach out to the world and be friends with everybody, it is not about competition. He also mentioned his country’s relationship with China saying, that India is open to partnerships with China and is willing to support the “One China” policy if China supports the One-India policy. He pointed out that this foreign policy is fairly non-partisan, both political factions support it and want India to make as many friendships as possible and deals with the rest of the world.
