As power equations shift, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s reiteration of the need to give India a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is further acceptance of global realities. Although India is not economically or militarily the most powerful, it is fast approaching the potential that should have been recognised and accepted a long time ago – that of a successful democracy developing along sustainable lines, both, economically and socially. It has historically never invaded other countries and its civilisational impact is being increasingly understood around the world.
This change in perception is visible in the context of the UK PM’s ongoing visit. It is a celebration of the present-day relations between the two countries in which a large diaspora plays a major role as an ethnic group that contributes enormously to present day British society. Over the decades, the impact of Indian culture has transcended that of the imperial past, is integrated in numerous ways and is clearly visible.
It is also expected that further improvement in trade relations will not just benefit both nations, it will also help provide a shield against the kind of uncertainties unleashed by present day United States. A further extension of this kind of relationship with the European Union will establish a ‘democratic economic bloc’ based on the respective strengths of member states. Behind this development is also the recognition of India as a growing market that has yet to reach its fullest potential. Those who engage early will benefit greatly till at least the end of this century.
Even more than the investments that the established capitalist nations will bring, India needs to benefit from the cutting-edge advancements in science and technology that it lacks in various sectors. For several reasons, its private sector has not developed enough to contribute significantly in this regard. Academia too has not had the momentum to produce, for example, Nobel Prize winning breakthroughs that can make the essential difference. That does not mean, of course, that India has nothing to contribute to the relationship. Its rapidly developing health sector, for one, has the potential to provide even more affordable medical care to citizens of other countries. What is required is a change in attitude among the developed countries, which is more than visible in PM Starmer’s multi-dimensional outreach. There is no doubt that good things will happen as a result.
