Role of India in Multipolar Global Political Economy

Daily writing prompt
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

India’s role in the multipolar global political economy is significant due to its economic and geopolitical importance. India is the world’s sixth-largest economy and has been experiencing steady economic growth in recent years. The country’s strategic location between East and West, coupled with its large population, make it an important player in the international arena. 

India’s economic policies and reforms have contributed to its rise as a major economic power. The country has implemented policies to attract foreign investment and has opened up various sectors for private participation. The government has also focused on improving infrastructure, developing a skilled workforce, and promoting entrepreneurship. In addition to its economic importance, India also plays a significant role in global politics. The country is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and BRICS. India’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the agenda of these organizations and in promoting the interests of developing countries. India’s strategic location also makes it an important player in regional geopolitics. The country has been involved in various peacekeeping missions, and its military capabilities have been growing in recent years. India has also been strengthening its relationships with other major powers, including the United States, Russia, and China. Overall, India’s role in the multipolar global political economy is likely to continue to grow in the coming years. The country’s economic and geopolitical importance, coupled with its strategic location, make it a key player in the international arena. Global trade is an essential aspect of the modern economy, and it relies heavily on trust and confidence between parties involved. A breach of confidence can have severe consequences for international trade and the global economy as a whole.

A breach of confidence in global trade can take many forms, including the failure to fulfill contractual obligations, misrepresentation of goods or services, or the theft of intellectual property. These breaches can result in legal disputes, loss of revenue, and damage to reputation, which can be costly for businesses and countries involved. When a breach of confidence occurs, it can lead to a breakdown in trust between parties involved, making it more challenging to engage in future trade deals. This can lead to increased transaction costs, reduced investment, and lower economic growth, ultimately impacting consumers. The World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international bodies play a crucial role in promoting fair trade practices and resolving disputes between countries. However, their effectiveness is limited when it comes to enforcing trade agreements and preventing breaches of confidence.

Dollar hegemony refers to the dominant position of the US dollar in the global economy as the primary reserve currency and medium of exchange. The term is used to describe the extensive use of the US dollar in international trade, finance, and investment, giving the United States significant economic and political power.

The dollar’s dominance dates back to the Bretton Woods agreement of 1944, where the US dollar was established as the international reserve currency, and other countries pegged their currencies to the dollar. This allowed the US to enjoy significant economic and political power and played a crucial role in the post-World War II economic order. Today, the dollar remains the dominant currency in international trade and finance, with over 60% of global foreign exchange reserves held in US dollars. Many countries continue to use the dollar as a medium of exchange, and international commodity prices are usually quoted in dollars. The dollar’s dominance has several implications for the global economy. First, it provides the United States with a unique advantage in international trade, as other countries are dependent on the US dollar to conduct transactions. Second, it allows the US to borrow at lower interest rates, as investors have a high level of confidence in the US dollar and the US economy. However, the dollar’s hegemony also comes with some challenges. The US’s monetary policy decisions can have significant impacts on the global economy, as changes in interest rates and other monetary policies can affect other countries’ economies. Additionally, the US’s high level of debt has raised concerns about the dollar’s stability as a reserve currency. In recent years, there have been calls for the diversification of international reserve currencies and the establishment of alternative payment systems. Some countries, including China and Russia, have been promoting the use of their currencies in international trade and finance to reduce their dependence on the US dollar.

Overall, dollar hegemony continues to shape the global economy, and it is an essential factor in international trade and finance. The ongoing debates around its stability and the need for diversification demonstrate the complex and ever-changing nature of the global economic order.

India plays a significant role in the multipolar global political economy due to its economic and geopolitical importance. The country’s economic policies and reforms have contributed to its rise as a major economic power, and its strategic location makes it a key player in regional geopolitics. India’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the agenda of international organizations and promoting the interests of developing countries.

However, India also faces several challenges, including poverty, inequality, and infrastructure gaps. The country has been working towards addressing these challenges through various initiatives such as the Make in India campaign, Digital India, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. India’s role in the global economy and its rise as a major economic power can provide opportunities for businesses and investors to tap into its large market and skilled workforce. The country’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship can also create opportunities for collaboration and partnership in various sectors. 

In conclusion, India’s position in the multipolar global political economy is significant, and its continued growth and development will have far-reaching implications for the global economy. However, the country faces several challenges that need to be addressed, and there is a need for continued investment and collaboration to unlock its full potential.

References

Bastos, M. (2014). The Indian Ocean and the rise of a multi-polar world order: The role of China and India. Policy Perspectives: The Journal of the Institute of Policy Studies11(2), 17-28.

Chakraborty, S. (2018). Significance of BRICS: Regional powers, global governance, and the roadmap for multipolar world. Emerging Economy Studies4(2), 182-191.

Cooper, A. F., & Flemes, D. (2013). Foreign policy strategies of emerging powers in a multipolar world: An introductory review. Third World Quarterly34(6), 943-962.

Kukreja, V. (2020). India in the emergent multipolar world order: Dynamics and strategic challenges. India Quarterly76(1), 8-23.

Peters, M. A. (2023). The emerging multipolar world order: A preliminary analysis. Educational Philosophy and Theory55(14), 1653-1663.

Sharma, S. N. (2017). Geopolitics and Terrorism in Asia-Pacific Region vis-a-vis India.

Productive trip to South Africa & Greece

 The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi landed at Bengaluru after his four day visit to South Africa and Greece, today. The Prime Minister participated in the BRICS Summit in South Africa and later visited Greece. The Prime Minister had various bilateral meetings and meetings with local thought leaders. He also met with the vibrant Indian communities in both the countries. The Prime Minister who had witnessed the landing of Chandrayaan-3 Moon Lander via VC landed in Bengaluru to interact with the ISRO team later.

PM Modi who was given a warm welcome outside HAL  Airport started his address to the gathered citizens with Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and added Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan. Shri Modi said that he witnessed the same enthusiasm in South Africa and Greece over India’s momentous success.

Expressing his eagerness to be with the ISRO team,The Prime said that he had decided to come to Bengaluru first on his return.  The Prime Minister thanked the Governor, Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister for their cooperation regarding  his request for not taking troubles related to the  protocol.  

The Prime Minister thanked everyone for the welcome and noted the enthusiasm among the gathered citizens and proceeded to ISRO to be among the Chandrayaan team in a roadshow.

*****

DS/TS

13th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting

 Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal attended the 13th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting held yesterday under the BRICS Presidency of South Africa virtually. The theme of BRICS this year is “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”. Shri Piyush Goyal, touched upon issues related to WTO, Supply chain, Digitalisation, MSMEs and on the issue of Mispricing and under-invoicing in the meeting.

The Minister lauded the South African Presidency on having an ambitious Agenda and successfully completing outcome oriented activities under the Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI). He extended strong support to BRICS spirit of equality, openness, inclusiveness, consensus, mutual respect and understanding.

Shri Piyush Goyal stressed upon building trust among each other and expressed strong belief in small, achievable, incremental steps towards WTO Reform. He also expressed how India wishes to see invigorated, improved, inclusive WTO as it completes three decades, talking about ’30 for 30’, which is an effort to bring at least 30 operational improvements to the WTO before the Organization completes 30 years, i.e., by 1 January 2025.

Reflecting India’s efforts to meet its commitments towards global efforts to fight the climate related challenges, the Minister apprised the BRICS Member countries about India’s achievement and its recent ranking at 5th position as per Climate Change Performance Index, published by German Watch. In this context, he also mentioned that India was the only G20 country in the top 10 rank. As BRICS members are also a part of G20, he sought cooperation for significant outcomes under the ‘Trade and Investment Working Group’ of G20 under India’s Presidency.

Shri Goyal also made it clear that for collective efforts amongst the BRICS countries, the utmost important issue would be to work in a trust based open atmosphere through transparency and sharing information. In this context, he also expressed disappointment that even within BRICS membership, a few Members had expressed concerns on Transparency. There are concerted efforts to bring in non-tariff barriers through the use of non science based Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary measures to stall the collective efforts of the BRICS countries, which is the core of collaborative efforts for trade. Our efforts to get the agreement amongst the Members to be fair under the prevailing system, unfortunately did not bring in the desired result. He made it clear that unless trade and investment activities are carried out cooperatively in a transparent manner, it would not yield the desired results.

On Supply Chains, Shri Goyal stressed that the principles of trust and transparency along with security and diversification being the most important factors for resilient and robust supply chains. This will be the foundation for an ensuring early warning system amongst BRICS countries which would play an important role in preventing wide ranging disruptions as were experienced during COVID-19.

On digital economy, while acknowledging that technology is a great equalizer and not a source of division, the Minister expressed deep concern over deprivation of the access to virtual platforms, tele-medicine, distance education and e-payments. He mentioned about pro-active actions and concerted decision taken by India to adopt whole- of-society approach to digital technology and improved public services. Shri Goyal mentioned the initiatives taken by India under the able leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, aiming at bridging the digital divide by leveraging cost-effective technology-based solutions.

As MSME’s are an integral part of the BRICS Members, Shri Piyush Goyal brought the importance of cooperation and collective efforts to the foreground for MSME’s. He expressed the need to focus on key areas like, exploring cooperation in the form of Research and Development, Technology transfers and joint Ventures as well as the Business development opportunities for possible partnerships in the future.

On Mispricing and underinvoicing, the Minister expressed his concern about the negative impact trade mis-pricing and under-invoicing has on the economies. He even mentioned that India had acknowledged its importance under its Chairship in 2021 and included it as an outcome through Capacity Building Workshop. He commended the efforts made by the South African Presidency for conducting a workshop in the continuity on the initiative taken by India.

In conclusion, the Minister laid stress upon the importance of collaborative efforts and commitment along with resilience, unity and transparency to face challenges under the principles of compassion, empathy and understanding, for a common brighter future.

***