Partnership with India Vital For South Asian Countries

 India, with its $3.2 trillion economy growing at a robust 7%, stands out as the only nation in South Asia capable of attracting significant capital inflows and foreign direct investment (FDI). This economic strength, coupled with strategic reforms, gives India a substantial competitive edge over its neighbors. The article suggests that India has become the central focus for global investors, overshadowing other South Asian countries.

The Flawed Chinese Development Model

There are  attempts by South Asian countries to bypass India by seeking Chinese assistance. The Chinese model of development, which involves large-scale infrastructure projects like ports, roads, and energy facilities, has not delivered the expected economic benefits. Instead, these projects have led to mounting debt without generating significant economic activity. Examples include Pakistan's Gwadar Port, which has seen minimal usage, and the Maldives, which relies on India even for basic necessities like drinking water.

India's Strategic Position

South Asia is depicted as a region fraught with challenges, including Islamic extremism in Bangladesh, crippling debt in Pakistan, and an uncertain economic future in Nepal. South Asian countries face a stark choice: they can either continue with their anti-India rhetoric and remain economically stagnant, or they can collaborate with India to achieve prosperity.

The Necessity of Partnership with India

Economic collaboration with India is essential for the prosperity of South Asian nations. Without such engagement, these countries risk enduring continued economic hardship. The political economy of South Asia, according to the author, cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the advantages of partnering with India. The choice for South Asian leaders is clear: integrate with India's growing economic engine or face continued impoverishment.