LSE study scoffs at India’s superpower dreams

A study by the prestigious London School of Economics says India has no hope of becoming a global economic and policy driver in the foreseeable future, and should instead look at fixing its own house first.

The report, titled 'India: The Next Superpower?' pointedly dismisses US secretary of state Hillary Clinton's statement during her visit to India in 2009 that "I consider India not just a regional power, but a global power.''

The LSE study, comprising essays by nine experts in the areas of India's economy, defence, government, culture, environment and society, advises "caution in assessing India's claim to superpower status".

It argues that India still faces too many "developmental challenges" to be considered a serious counterweight to China, given its institutional weaknesses and social and economic divisions. In addition, the country has security preoccupations.

The study acknowledges India's "formidable achievements" in fostering democracy, growth and cultural dynamism, but concludes that these are nullified by its structural weaknesses, widespread corruption, poor leadership, extreme social divisions, religious extremism and internal security threats.

Ramachandra Guha, the Philippe Roman chair in history and international affairs at the LSE, argues in the report that it is doubtful whether India should even seek to become a superpower.