Forecasting India's potential

Abstract

Forecasting has a poor record-and India-watching is no different. India is clearly going places, based on recent performance and a post-cold war approach to internal reform and external affairs. This exciting democracy is a country to watch. But much depends on functional progress. Issues like poverty, migration and HIV/AIDS are unlikely to vanish. The Commonwealth now needs India, and India can now draw upon the Commonwealth to its advantage. After all, India is an exemplar of Commonwealth values. Many of India's problems reflect Commonwealth functional concerns. Meanwhile, India's independence is reflected by an increasing cultural orientation towards, and bilateral relationship with, the USA. This cultural change is as important as the political realignments post-1989. As US-India relations have improved, and India pursues a global political footprint, the Commonwealth retains its relevance. Peter Lyon's interest in this fascinating country endures, as should ours. © 2004 The Round Table Ltd.