The world's largest (most populous) democracy
has emerged as a major global power since the end of foreign rule
in 1947 and subsequent decades which were marked by economic
closure. Independent India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal
Nehru, dreamed of an egalitarian, socialist, society and created a
vast public infrastructure. From the late 1980s the picture
started to change as India started to encourage economic reforms
and foreign investment, to great success. It is now courted
by the world's leading economic and political powers, including
China and Brazil and its large pool of skilled workers makes India
a very popular choice for international companies, especially those
seeking to outsource work.
India has made particularly important progress
in the field of information and communication technology, satellite
technology and has a multi-billion dollar cinema industry whose
films are among the most widely watched in the world.
Although its well recognised and increasing middle class is a
testament to India’s economic success, widespread poverty and
illiteracy still exist, especially in rural areas and are
exacerbated by long held religious and cultural practices.
India’s biggest challenge in the 21st century will be to
find a way to give all its citizens a chance to profit from its
gains.