The West doesn’t necessarily matter too much in India in many ways.
But, India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, presents a fascinating study of contrasting perceptions that vary sharply between political Western commentators on the left and financial experts – those controlling billions of inward investment..
The Political Critique: Questions of Democratic Health
A segment of political commentators views PM Modi's governance with scepticism, particularly concerning democratic norms and political centralization. Of course compared to Western countries he runs a disciplined Cabinet. It’s not full of fools or incompetents. This can be difficult for Western commentators to understand. To them, this is the ‘cult’ or autocracy. No, it’s effectiveness and why the polls show a massive majority for the Government. The West might want to give competence and effectiveness a try in democracy.
These concerns are intensified by reports from international observers and some segments of the Indian diaspora who parrot based on isolated incidents statements of Indian opposition parties who of course are in the business of talking down the Government. The UK equivalent would be to say the Government is islamophobic. Ahh, that happens. No surprise. Indeed, the same accusation is put at the feet of every single non-Islamic state in the world. France? Yup. Sweden. Confirmed. Russia. Heck yes. China – definitely – Uighurs? America – hell yeah. Germany, Italy – are you kidding!
Now, apparently India is a jumped up nouveau riche country over stepping it’s role. Then there is the not taking sides in Ukraine war – boy do the liberals hate that. The fact that India is friends with Russia and Ukraine and every singly Middle East country is a problem for them. That Britain’s largest import from India is refined oil (ummmm, where do you think that comes from) is a problem because India buys it cheap. Yes the West creaks under the cost of living and growing national debt in social security payments as its population cannot afford cost the cost of living.
The Financial Acclaim: Economic Reforms and Global Standing
Contrasting sharply with the political critique, financial commentators often paint India in glowing terms, focusing on Modi's economic policies and their impact on India's stature as a burgeoning global power. Initiatives like the "Make in India" program, significant improvements in digital transactions through platforms like UPI, and sweeping reforms in sectors from banking to real estate under the RERA guidelines, have been lauded for bolstering India's economic credentials. The introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the Direct Benefits Transfer scheme are cited as transformative steps that have enhanced economic efficiency and governance transparency.
Moreover, the government's efforts to position India as a manufacturing and technological hub have seen tangible success, with major international corporations setting up production in India, enhancing its global economic integration. Such measures are perceived as instrumental in driving financial inclusion and improving logistical efficiencies across the country, setting a strong foundation for sustained economic growth.
Those who put their money where their mouth is, and have to look at hard data, speak in glowing terms about India. Those who look at isolated incidents and not the data and spew opinions speak negatively. No surprise there.
But the hypocrisy is no longer even hidden in the Guardian and Observer. Now it’s simply shrill, without factual depth and is outright anti-India. In the end it does not damage India. It damages the already low trust in Western media by its own citizens. Little wonder people simply don’t get their news from journalists like these any more.
