The book The Unfinished Quest by Indian-Canadian scholar T.V. Paul, provides a crucial and timely assessment of India’s pursuit of ‘major power’ status, a theme that has become central to Indian foreign policy discourse.
The frequent use of terms like ‘rising power’, ‘leading power’, ‘swing power’ and ‘net security provider’, while discussing India’s global emergence reflects a deep-seated national ambition for recognition on the world stage.
While the status dimension of Indian foreign relations has been a theme of debate in academic and policy circles, Paul’s book stands out as the first comprehensive academic study to systematically analyse this critical aspect.
The book offers novel insights into the intricacies of Indian foreign policy, expertly unravelling the complex interplay between international relations, domestic politics and public policy through the theoretical lens of status.
This multidimensional work provides valuable theoretical, historical, empirical and policy takeaways for scholars, policymakers and anyone interested in understanding India’s evolving role in the 21st century.
The concept of status in international relations has long been relegated to a secondary role, often overshadowed by more traditional frameworks such as power, interest and identity. Its utility in understanding state behaviour has been limited by conceptual ambiguity and a lack of a systematic theorisation.
Paul, a leading scholar of international relations theory and South Asian security, leverages his own scholarship on status to provide a robust and nuanced analytical framework that grounds the book’s analysis of India’s major power status quest.
Conceptualising status as a sociological category based on “collective international recognition of an actor based on its valued material and non-material attributes”, highlights the dynamic nature of the major power concept and its evolution over time.
Historically associated with military dominance and ascribed to the victors of major wars, the concept has undergone a significant transformation in the nuclear age and the era of globalisation. While material capabilities, including military and economic strength, remain important status markers, they are no longer sufficient for achieving and maintaining major power status.
Paul identifies and meticulously evaluates a broader range of status markers, including military and economic power, human development indicators, state capacity, soft power influence, diplomatic initiatives and grant strategy. This holistic approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay of factors that contribute to a nation’s perceived and ascribed status.
The book traces the enduring nature of India’s major power aspirations, from the early days of independence, with periods of intensified pursuit in the 1950s under Nehru, and the present day under Modi.
Power status under Nehru
While the quest for major power status has been a consistent theme throughout these periods, the underlying drivers and strategies have undergone significant change. Under Nehru, India’s claims to major power status were primarily underpinned by soft power, particularly its civilisational credentials and its proactive diplomacy.
While these elements continue to play a role in contemporary Indian foreign policy, the emphasis has shifted towards hard power markers, like military modernisation, economic growth and demographic dividends.
The analysis of these two periods highlights another important qualitative distinction in India’s quest for major power status. Nehru’s vision, while drawing upon India’s rich civilisational heritage, ultimately envisioned major power status within the framework of modernity. In contrast, today’s major power imagination, while still incorporating elements of modern statehood, exhibits a more pronounced emphasis on civilisational state characteristics, albeit in a complex and often contested manner.
Paul observes that India’s claims to major power status have garnered increasing international recognition over the last two decades. The country’s enhanced comprehensive national power, underpinned by robust yet inequitable economic growth, military modernisation and a burgeoning demographic dividend, has undoubtedly contributed to this shift.
Furthermore, evolving global geopolitical dynamics, particularly the rise of China and the shifting balance of power in Asia, have created a more conducive environment for the recognition of India’s aspirations.
Challenges in India’s pursuit of major power status
However, the book also identifies a number of challenges that could hinder India’s pursuit of major power status. Despite considerable advancements in military capabilities, India’s continued dependence on foreign suppliers for critical weapons systems and military technology remains a vulnerability.
This reliance on external sources raises concerns about strategic autonomy and self-sufficiency, factors often associated with major power status. Similarly, despite the advances in military power, India’s power projection capabilities remain largely regional. Expanding the reach and capabilities of the Indian Navy is crucial for projecting power beyond the immediate neighbourhood and establishing an extra regional presence.
On the economic front, while India has experienced significant transformation, Paul argues that its growth has not been sufficiently inclusive, as reflected in India’s relatively low ranking on the Human Development Index.
Addressing issues of inequality and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more equitably are essential for enhancing India’s overall status and soft power appeal.
Demography, while potentially India’s greatest strength, could also become a significant challenge if not managed effectively. Harnessing the potential of its youthful population through investments in education, skill development and job creation is crucial.
Contradiction in India’s claims
The book also highlights certain inherent contradictions in India’s status claims. While the current leadership frequently emphasises India’s aggregate economic size and its position as the fourth largest economy, such narratives often overlook its relatively low ranking on per capita income and other indicators/
Another notable contradiction lies in the claim of India’s status as that of a “Vishwaguru” (world teacher) while India continues to be a net importer of knowledge and technology.
These contradictions not only create a sense of dissonance but also undermined India’s credibility internationally, hindering its pursuit of major power status. A more comprehensive and honest assessment of both strengths and weaknesses would be more effective in the long run.
Furthermore, while the narrative of rising status might initially resonate domestically, the inherent contradictions could lead to disillusionment if the tangible benefits fail to reach the average citizen.
The book also cautions against the potential dangers of an unfulfilled status quest, particularly when combined with rising hyper-nationalism within the country. Drawing lessons from historical examples, such as Germany’s experience during the first half of the 20th century, where national anger and frustration stemming from denied status fuelled racial tensions and ultimately contributed to catastrophic consequences, he warns of the potential for similar outcomes in India.
Paul emphatically argues that an inclusive developmental and political approach to governance is essential for realising India’s quest for major power status. Ensuring equitable economic growth, promoting social harmony, and effectively leveraging India’s demographic dividend are crucial for enhancing India’s overall status and influence in the world. This requires a commitment to democratic values, pluralism and inclusive institutions.
India’s pursuit of major power status in the 21st century is a complex, multifaceted process shaped by evolving geopolitical dynamics and international institutional evolution. China’s rise presents a favourable context, as India’s value in balancing a perceived revisionist China, particularly for the West, enhances its recognition.
However, long-term recognition hinges on how other states perceive India’s intentions and potential role. Hence, more than India’s own narrative about its rise and its vision for the world order, what ultimately matters is how other states perceive India’s intentions and its potential role as a major power.
The question of what kind of “power” India would become once it is ascribed “major power” status is central to the calculations of other states and will significantly influence their willingness to accommodate India’s aspirations. This dynamic underscores the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue and building trust with other key players in the international system.
Jojin V. John is an assistant professor at the School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala.