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Balancing Global Aspirations and Domestic Priorities
Context:
India’s G20 presidency has boosted its global stature but sparked debates on prioritising international influence over domestic challenges.
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- A study, Indian Perceptions of Europe and Germany, conducted by Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung surveyed 5,248 respondents across 50 cities in 10 states and three Union Territories through face-to-face interviews, ensuring a balanced representation across different urban tiers.
- The fieldwork, conducted between August 29 and September 26, 2024, provides a comprehensive understanding of public sentiment on India’s foreign policy priorities and economic strategies.
Global Image vs. Domestic Development
- Survey data indicate that 42% of respondents believe that funds spent on beautifying cities for such summits (G20) should instead be used to combat poverty.
- This suggests that a significant section of the population prioritises economic welfare over global branding.
- Conversely, 29% of respondents support investments in India’s global image, viewing these international platforms as an opportunity to showcase the country’s progress.
- The study also highlights a class-based divergence in opinions—36% of lower-income respondents advocate for prioritising poverty relief, while only 20% support spending on beautification.
- In contrast, 39% of upper-class respondents believe that improving India’s global standing is crucial, although 42% of them also recognise the need for poverty alleviation.
- These contrasting perspectives reflect the challenge of balancing foreign policy ambitions with socioeconomic needs.
Public Opinion on Trade Liberalisation
- As India negotiates a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, opinions on trade liberalisation remain divided.
- While 37% of respondents believe increasing exports is the best way to strengthen India’s position in the global market, 39% support restricting exports to focus on domestic economic stability.
- This division underscores broader concerns about trade policies, with many citizens questioning whether global trade agreements primarily benefit multinational corporations rather than the broader Indian economy.
- Agriculture, in particular, emerges as an area where public sentiment is more unified.
- A significant majority—64% of respondents—believe that India should limit food grain imports to protect domestic farmers.
- In contrast, only 12% support increasing food imports even if it affects Indian farmers.
- This data reflects strong opposition to excessive reliance on foreign agricultural products, as many believe it could threaten local livelihoods.
Navigating the Policy Dilemma
- India’s current economic strategy prioritises enhancing its global standing through trade agreements and international summits. However, public opinion presents a mixed response to these priorities.
- This disconnect raises critical questions about the government’s policy direction.
- Should India align its economic and foreign policies more closely with public sentiment, or should it maintain a long-term vision of positioning itself as a global economic powerhouse?
- The upcoming FTA with the EU will serve as a crucial test in this balancing act, determining whether India’s integration into the global economy can coexist with addressing the needs of its citizens.
While India’s diplomatic influence continues to grow, so does the debate over its impact on domestic priorities. The government must strike a balance, ensuring that India’s global aspirations do not overshadow the fundamental needs of its people. By integrating into the global economy while safeguarding domestic interests, India can achieve a more inclusive and sustainable path to development.
