A book discussion was held on The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi (Oxford University Press, 2024) authored by Professor T.V. Paul of McGill University, on 10 December 2024, at MP-IDSA. Introduced by Dr. Uttam K. Sinha, Senior Fellow, MP-IDSA, Professor T.V. Paul — a noted international relations scholar — analysed India’s ongoing quest for major power status.

Setting an intriguing tone, Dr. Sinha began by referencing a fascinating connection to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s quote of Sylvain Levi, the famed orientalist, in the book. He shared how Rabindranath Tagore, after meeting Levi in Paris, was so captivated by his insights that he invited him to the 1921 inauguration of Visva Bharati University. This historical anecdote underscored a key theme of the discussion — India’s enduring engagement with global thought leaders on its path toward international prominence.

Prof. Paul highlighted several key themes from his book, offering insights into India’s pursuit of major power status. As India’s economic, military, and technological capabilities expand, its pursuit of international recognition is accelerating. This book traces India’s efforts to elevate its global standing, particularly since the 1991 economic liberalisation that propelled it to become the world’s fifth-largest economy by 2022. The 21st-century geopolitical landscape offers India a unique opportunity to assert itself as a leading power. Strategic competition with a rising China has opened avenues for India to deepen ties with major global actors like the U.S., Russia, the EU, Japan, and its South Asian neighbours. These relationships extend to broader engagement in the Indo-Pacific, covering East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Persian Gulf, and Africa. However, India’s ascent faces challenges, notably the need for inclusive economic development and a lack of full recognition from peer powers. Existing scholarship on Indian foreign policy often overlooks the socio-psychological dynamics influencing the international acknowledgment of rising powers like India. This study highlights India’s progress and challenges, underscoring its evolving role on the global stage.

Prof. Paul also examined the nuanced dimensions of power, contrasting traditional hierarchical views with the idea that power is ultimately shaped by perception. He underscored that true power integrates a range of elements essential for safeguarding national security and advancing a country’s global influence. He continued by elucidating the distinction between hard and soft power. Hard power, he explained, includes military strength, technological dominance, and economic influence. In contrast, soft power stems from a nation’s cultural appeal, political system, and normative influence, amplified by its diaspora. He then introduced the Annual Asia Power Index, explaining the criteria used to rank nations, which encompasses far more than military might.

The discussion then shifted to the motivations behind nations’ pursuit of status—spanning psychological, material, moral, and civilizational reasons. Prof. Paul clarified the difference between status perceptions and misperceptions, emphasising how a nation’s status can be either ascribed by others or aspired to internally. Next, he compared the leadership styles of Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, noting that both seek to restore their nations’ former glory and rectify perceived historical wrongs. Drawing parallels between Prime Minister Modi and Nehru, he highlighted their vision of uplifting the marginalised and positioning their nations as global powers. Finally, Prof. Paul addressed the issue of misrecognition of status, which can lead to identity crises. He argued that greater capabilities generally lead to higher status, citing China’s rise as a key example. However, he also pointed out how dominant groups often marginalise the contributions of secondary actors, again referencing China as an illustration. An interesting observation was made on the challenges India faces in its growth, particularly the “Late-comer Problem” and competition from China’s rising influence. He then discussed India’s complex foreign relations, balancing ties with the U.S., Russia, and Pakistan, while suggesting stronger bonds with European powers for “soft-hand balancing.”

Dr. Sinha began the Q&A session by reflecting on Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership, emphasising his dedication to internationalism, federalism, and socialism. He pointed out how Nehru’s intellectual ideals often collided with the harsh realities of his time, with his optimism deeply shaken by the 1962 Indo-China War. In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he argued, brings in a deep commitment to see India as a global influencer while benefitting from over 65 years of historical lessons and the shifting dynamics of the global stage.

Gp. Capt.(Dr.) R.K. Narang (Retd.) questioned India’s technological progress post-independence, asking why growth slowed and how India is currently perceived globally. Prof. Paul responded by discussing India’s nuclear and space policies, missile control, and U.S. nuclear cooperation. He noted India’s advancements but highlighted challenges in AI and semiconductor technology, stressing the need to accelerate development to keep pace with China.

Mr. Om Prakash Das questioned whether India’s engagement with BRICS and multilateral forums serves domestic politics or reflects a desire to shape the world order. He stressed the need to include excluded powers, citing the League of Nations’ failure. Prof. Paul linked this to “West vs. Rest” dynamics, noting BRICS’ role in the 2008-09 financial crisis and criticising the West’s failure to acknowledge their contributions, highlighting inertia in global institutions.

A question was raised about why India struggles with stable regional relations despite its prominence. Prof. Paul explained that shifting power dynamics and expansionist strategies make establishing influence difficult. He noted even China relies on assertive tactics like the South China Sea claims and the Belt and Road Initiative. India’s regional dominance is challenged by China’s influence and competing interests from neighbours like Pakistan and Bangladesh, complicating efforts to maintain stability.

Prof. Paul addressed India’s Indo-Pacific strategy and pursuit of strategic autonomy, expressing cautious optimism. He praised India’s position but stressed its future depends on current decisions. Prof. Paul then shifted focus to strained India-Canada relations.

A critical question addressed to the author concerned India’s ability to effectively reconcile its aspirations for global leadership with its pressing domestic challenges amidst the escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. In response Prof. Paul highlighted that India’s economic growth hasn’t translated into progress in healthcare and education. He stressed the need to invest in human capital, linking internal development to global leadership. Addressing domestic challenges, he argued, is key to strengthening India’s global influence.

The author, in his final point, stressed enhancing India’s maritime capabilities to counter China, highlighting the “Look East” policy and ASEAN trade deals. He pointed to regional engagement through BIMSTEC and infrastructure development in the Northeast to boost connectivity and strategic autonomy. He also highlighted Africa’s untapped potential, urging deeper ties to expand India’s influence and counter China’s presence.

In the session’s concluding segment, Dr. Uttam delivered thought-provoking insights on the intricate relationship between the State and societal progress, posing a crucial question: What does it truly mean to be a global power? His reflections challenged conventional definitions and sparked deeper contemplation about the path to global influence.

Report prepared by Ms. Ishaani Singh, Intern, Non-Traditional Security Centre, MP-IDSA.