India Global Ambitions Limited by Regional Reach.
Abstract
India has the political traditions, economic capabilities, resource availability and developmental potential to become a powerful partner in helping the United States achieve its national strategy goals in South Asia and in the Pacific Rim area. However, significant internal pressures currently impede India's goal to move from a developing Third World country with regional influence to a true global power. This paper looks at internal and external factors to include: (1) foreign relations with China, Pakistan, and the U.S.; (2) military roles, defense budgets, and indigenous weapons programs; (3) social and political structures; and (4) economic growth indicators which are limiting India's potential. The study concludes that current political instability, weak strategic planning which is not aligned with a coherent and vital defense policy, and a population more interested in solving domestic problems have failed to create the necessary environment India needs to fulfill its current ambitions. India must more clearly define its national strategy, improve regional relationships (most notably with Pakistan), come to terms with its ambiguous nuclear program which has caused significant apprehension among its neighbors, and more fully open markets to foreign investment in order to succeed. The United States is keenly interested in maintaining economic growth and political stability in South Asia and in the Pacific Rim region. India would do well to capitalize on this interest to help it achieve its goals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA345883
Entities
People
- Adrienne K. Fraser Darling
Organizations
- United States Army War College