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Introduction:

Over the past few decades, India has transformed from a post-colonial state grappling with myriad challenges to an emerging global power with substantial economic, political, and strategic significance. Its rise brings forth numerous opportunities and challenges, both domestically and internationally.

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India’s Rise as a Global Power: A Critical Analysis

• Economic Growth:
  • Pros: 
    • India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030. 
    • This economic dynamism has garnered global interest, promoting investments and technology influx.
  • For example, As per World Bank data, India’s GDP growth rate hit a peak of 8.17% in 2016-17.
  • Challenges: 
    • Despite the impressive GDP figures, income inequality remains a significant concern. 
    • The Oxfam report highlighted that India’s richest 1% hold over 40% of the country’s wealth.
• Strategic Partnerships:
  • Pros: 
    • Through various bilateral and multilateral engagements, India has fortified its global position. 
    • Participation in BRICS, SCO, and the Quad bolsters its geopolitical stature.
  • Challenges: 
    • Aligning with global powers necessitates a delicate diplomatic balance. 
    • For instance, India’s growing closeness with the US has often been seen with skepticism by traditional ally Russia.
• Defense and Technological Prowess:
  • Pros: With missions like the Mars Orbiter and Chandrayaan, India has stamped its technological prowess.
  • For example, India is one of the few countries with an indigenous ballistic missile defense program.
  • Challenges: Defense modernization and R&D in space and technology demand massive investments, which sometimes diverts funds from pressing domestic needs.
• Cultural and Soft Power Diplomacy:
  • Pros: The global appeal of Bollywood, yoga, and Indian diaspora contributes to India’s soft power.
  • Challenges: Cultural diplomacy sometimes faces backlash at home, with debates around cultural preservation vs. westernization.

Implications for Domestic Growth and International Influence:

• Domestic Growth: 
  • With increased FDI and global collaborations, there’s potential for domestic innovation, infrastructure development, and job creation. 
  • Yet, India also remains vulnerable to global economic fluctuations.
• International Influence: 
  • India’s voice in international platforms like the UN has strengthened. 
  • Its proactive stance on issues like terrorism and climate change, such as the International Solar Alliance initiative, resonates globally.

Balancing Domestic Priorities with Global Assertiveness:

• Trade and Domestic Interests: India’s negotiations in global trade agreements must safeguard domestic sectors.
  • For example, India’s withdrawal from RCEP was primarily due to concerns over potential harm to its agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
• Strategic Autonomy: Non-alignment and strategic autonomy have been India’s cornerstones.
  • For example, India’s nuanced approach to the Belt and Road Initiative, showing reservations due to sovereignty concerns in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, showcases its autonomous stance.
• Regional Diplomacy: Strengthening ties with neighbouring countries ensures regional stability and security.
  • For example, The ‘Neighborhood First’ policy underscores the primacy India places on its immediate neighbors.
• Sustainable Development: Even as India asserts itself globally, it should prioritize domestic sustainable goals, ensuring growth is inclusive and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion: 

India’s journey to global prominence is laden with opportunities and challenges. Balancing its role as a global actor while addressing domestic imperatives is vital. With adept diplomacy, strategic vision, and an inclusive growth model, India can truly manifest its potential as a leading global power while ensuring domestic prosperity.