WIREDGOV

Within a short time, India has evolved from a country with a marginal role to a key participant in global decision-making. But many agree that India's ability to play a greater global role would evolve more naturally were the country's domestic development challenges met.

In recent years Western countries have encouraged India to play a more active global role, as have other emerging powers. India has attempted to do so in many areas, and it has sought to be recognized as a global actor, not least by campaigning for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

A new Chatham House report, For the Global Good: India's Developing International Role, explores India's growing influence on international affairs, trade and investments, security and democracy, and the environment, including climate change.

Given its size and population, India has potential to make a significant contribution in tackling climate change through its domestic policies on renewable energy, adopting low-carbon technology and forest conservation.

The report also assesses its role in Afghanistan, by far the most important example of Indian overseas assistance today. India, the fifth larges provider of aid to Afghanistan, sees a stable, pro-Indian government in Afghanistan as a strategic benefit and the country remains a 'special case' in India's foreign policy thinking.

The report concludes that India clearly finds it easier to forge deeper partnerships with other emerging powers than with established developed countries. It acts in line with its perceived national interest, which frequently has a closer correlation with the interests of countries such as Brazil and South Africa than with those of the West. The Nehruvian notion of non-interference retains a considerable influence on India's policy-making, affecting its approach to development as much as it does to broader foreign policy issues.

The report draws on several years' work at Chatham House, examining India's global role, regional relationships, aid policy and approach towards natural disasters.

Notes to Editors

Read For the Global Good: India's Developing International Role >>

The author, Gareth Price, Senior Research Fellow, is available for interview:
T: +44 (0)7747 064 905
E: gprice@chathamhouse.org.uk