India’s path to power: Strategy in a world adrift

It is often said that countries have no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. The core strategic principles outlined in there remain relevant to India’s continuing engagement with the world: The need to make independent judgments in internation- al affairs while not being unduly influenced by ideas and policies emanating from elsewhere; the need to develop the capacity for independently securing In- dia’s interests without being excessively dependent on, or restrained by, the capabilities of other powers; and the need to create an equitable international or- der that not only reflects the shifting balance of as- piration and power, but also affords maximum space for India’s development. Since the global financial crisis, however, the trend growth rate has been considerably lower and there has been a question mark on India’s growth potential. These questions about growth and social inclusion are also creating intellectual and policy uncertainty about India’s development model. The electoral success of the BJP has not only meant a change in the party system and the nature of political power, but has also brought about a transformation in India’s constitutional order.