India's rise challenges myth that authoritarianism is needed for economic growth: Report
New Delhi, June 12
India's steady economic ascent supported by sustained growth, a young population and resilient democratic institutions is poised to challenge the notion that authoritarianism is a necessary shortcut to rapid development, a new report has said.
The report from India Narrative said that India's consistent growth trajectory refutes long‑standing assumptions that political repression is required to build modern industrial and technological capacity.
India's arrival as a great power without dominion over others, "may be the most radical idea of the twenty-first century," it noted.
India, on track to become the world's third‑largest economy by the end of the decade had no colonies, made no invasions of foreign territory and is in stark contrast with other historical power rises such as the US, Europe or China.
The United States and Europe built influence through conquest, coercion and China's growth occurred under an authoritarian model.
"The Soviet Union exported revolution at gunpoint. China's extraordinary economic ascent was underwritten by a Communist Party that tolerated no dissent and no democracy," the report noted.
"Students of history know that great power ascents are never clean. They recall the famines that killed millions in China in the 1960s and 1970s, the abject poverty of Shenzhen before Deng Xiaoping's reforms, the Great Depression that sent American traders leaping from Wall Street windows," it reminded.
India's GDP growth at 6.5 per cent despite global volatility, the country's demographic advantages and durable institutions are structural advantages.
An independent judiciary, a pluralistic press and a strong opposition will not offer a shortcut to global top spot but such factors can support long‑term expansion.
The media house also mentioned bureaucratic red tape, corruption and widespread poverty as challenges to overcome to sustain strong economic growth.
Nevertheless, the report said that India's rise offers a "proof of concept" defying popular school of thought in international affairs that democracy is a luxury that developing nations cannot afford.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The comparison with China and the West is spot on. India's non-imperialist rise is truly unique. But let's not forget the challenges—corruption and red tape still hurt small businesses. We need more reforms to fully unlock our potential.
Interesting perspective. However, I worry about celebrating too early. We still have massive inequality, and many rural areas lack basic infrastructure. Democracy is great, but it must deliver for everyone, not just the urban elite. 🤔
This report gives me hope! My father used to say democracy is slow but steady, and now we see evidence. The young population is our greatest asset. Let's continue to invest in education and innovation, and we'll overtake many nations soon.
As a student of international relations, I find this analysis very compelling. The "proof of concept" idea is powerful—India is showing that democracy isn't just an ideal, but a practical model for sustained growth. But we must address the bureaucratic hurdles mentioned in the report. 🙏
Baat toh sahi hai (true talk)! But we need to be realistic—our judiciary is slow, and corruption is still rampant in many sectors. Democracy is good, but it needs strong institutions to work effectively. Let's focus on improving governance at the grassroots level.
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