India has achieved tremendous success in various sectors. It has emerged as an important regional and global player for being an economic powerhouse, strong military power, a nuclear-armed state and the world’s largest democracy. I must say; India certainly stands tall in the world. Geopolitical realities in Asia are transforming due to the increased influence and the global rise of India. A power struggle between China and India-US coalition will shape the coming days of the twenty-first century and beyond.
Economy: The economy of India became the world’s fastest-growing major economy surpassing China in the Fiscal year 2015 and 2017. “The outlook for India’s long-term growth is moderately positive due to a young population and corresponding low dependency ratio, healthy savings and investment rates, and increasing integration into the global economy.” India is a major force in world trade. It is the world’s sixth-largest economy by nominal GDP, The third-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). The size of its GDP $2.454 trillion (nominal; 2017) and $9.489 trillion (PPP; 2017). GDP growth rate: 7.2% (IMF, 2017).
Largest Democracy: A country with 1.3 billion people, India takes pride in being the largest democracy in the world. In terms of democratic measurement, it has a stable democracy. According to the United Nations, India will overtake China and will be the largest country by population in 2028. India emerged as a democratic nation from the time of its birth. India is light year ahead of Pakistan in this regard.
Military Power: According to Global Firepower Index, India is ranked 4th in the world in terms of military capabilities. It has become a formidable military power because of its strong conventional military force, a huge number of population, strategic position, and possession of nuclear weapons. India’s military prowess is growing rapidly. The Indian military has a combined 4,207,250 active and reserve personnel in service. Total aircraft strength 2102, combat tank 4426, Armored Fighting Vehicles 6704, Self-propelled and Towed Artillery 7704, Total Naval Asset 270, Aircraft Carrier 3, Destroyers 14, Frigates 11, Submarines 15, Corvettes. The military might of India is another sign of the rise of India.
History and Heritage: India is noted for its ancient history and civilizations. Many dynasties and empire had ruled India for thousands of years. Due to its alluvial land and natural beauty, ancient people migrated to India from far-flung places like Europe and the Middle East. Thousands of historic places, beautiful monuments and heritage sites spread across the country.
Film Industry: City of Mumbai, home to Bollywood and entertainment capital of India, is one of the most fertile filmmaking grounds in the world. Today, India is also the largest film producer in the world. Its film industry is very old. Bollywood is amazingly the second oldest film industry in the world as well. India certainly can take pride in its films.
China is also rising fast and regional balance is shifting towards Beijing. A country like India can preserve the balance of power in Asia. The rise of India is a good thing because the balance of power between the two countries can ensure strategic stability in Asia.
Md. Aslam Hossain is a part-time senior editor of The Geopolitics. He is also an entrepreneur. He has earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in International Relations. His focus is on geopolitics and security.
