India as a Global Power
VIEW EVENT DETAILSInvitation-Only Discussion with M.K. Narayanan
Although India has always sought to influence affairs beyond its immediate region — through initiatives like the non-aligned movement — it was long seen by the world as just the predominant power in South Asia. This changed after the end of the Cold War when the world’s largest democracy began to assert itself in the broader Asian region and on the global stage. Since he came into office in 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has continued this trend by traveling and reaching out to nations big and small to tell the world that India is open for business and ready to increase its global engagement.
The result has been an India that has taken on greater roles in global issues like climate change, has tried to craft productive ties with all the major powers, and has increased its investment in its economic, military, and diplomatic capabilities. Given its fast-growing economy and vast demographic advantages, India has the potential to become a global power. However, many challenges remain in its way, including a costly rivalry with Pakistan, an uneasy competition with China, and most importantly, the demands of its primary objective of domestic economic development and job creation. Is India destined to be a great power?
The Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) is pleased to be hosting a private, invitation-only roundtable discussion with M. K. Narayanan, former National Security Advisor of India, on the future of India’s role in the international system. Mr. Narayanan will address India’s growing global influence and how India can navigate its strategic challenges. He will also comment on the future of U.S.-India relations, as Prime Minister Modi will have just completed his visit to the United States on June 26.
Attendance at this event is by invitation only. For additional information, please contact [email protected].
Speakers:
M. K. Narayanan has served in a range of foreign and domestic policy positions in India, including as Director of its Intelligence Bureau, Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat Joint Intelligence Committee and as National Security Advisor and head of India’s National Security Council and Secretariat (2005-2011). He was also the anchor point for the Indo-U.S. strategic dialogue that led to the civilian nuclear agreement between the two countries and serve as India's special representative to the border talks with the People's Republic of China. Mr. Narayanan also served as Governor of the state of West Bengal from 2011 to 2015.