3.3 - Indian Emergence

Question 1

What political influence does India have?

Answer 1

• strong diplomatic relations with Afghanistan
  
  • largest aid donor to Afghanistan
• China is an important trade partner
• US has helped with development of nuclear reactors
• Stronger links with Israel as Russia is increasingly isolated
  
  • has provided India with military equipment
• Part of BRICS and Commonwealth
• Wants permanent UNSC membership
  
  • however is controversial as has disputes with Bangladesh and Pakistan

Question 2

What is India’s economic state?

Answer 2

• 3rd largest national market
• 6.7% GDP growth rate compared to 5.2% for China
• 7.5% population growth rate, higher than China
  
  • appealing as means large workforce for near future
• reforms has meant state controlled economy is now privatised to a large extent
• corruption is not as large an issue as in China as democracy asks for accountability and makes corrupt behaviour harder

Question 3

How has India exerted soft power?

Answer 3

• Bollywood sold 3.6bn tickets in 2014
  
  • 50% more than Hollywood in same period
• Is a popular tourist destination, contributes to 6% of GDP
  
  • suggests culture is appealing

Question 4

What has India invested in within the country?

Answer 4

• rural healthcare
• Golden Quadrilateral road network project
• national security
• education
• Digital India initiative to bring entire country up to date with use of internet and technology

Question 5

Why might allying with India be a good idea?

Answer 5

• could provide a counterbalance to China
  
  • both countries are similar in terms of population and development path
• Indian Ocean is a key sea trade route
  
  • India has many natural harbours (good for trade)
• Solar energy is a potential future industry for India
  
  • can allow other countries to be more energy secure and sustainable in future

Question 6

How has india demonstrated its hard power?

Answer 6

• Border clashes with Pakistani and Chinese forces
  
  • show that India is not willing to give up territory
• first Asian nation to put satellite in orbit around Mars
  
  • shows technological progress

Question 7

How is the GDP of the West expected to change with relation to the East in the future?

Answer 7

• Asia will grow at 1.5 times faster rate by 2050 than N America and Europe
• $174tn in Asia vs $151tn in N America and Europe in 2050