The Front Row Podcast #42- Karthik Nachiappan- The Rise of India As A Great Power
Jun 23, 2025
Karthik Nachiappan, a Research Fellow at ISAS, specializes in India's foreign and economic policy. He discusses India's aspirations as a global power, emphasizing its military capabilities and strategic decisions amid challenges from China and Pakistan. The conversation dives into India's economic growth hurdles, the significance of its partnerships with Southeast Asia, and the evolving role in international organizations. Nachiappan also offers valuable insights for graduates on navigating India's complexities through literature and travel.
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India's Southeast Asia Underperformance
- India and Southeast Asia share deep historical, cultural, and economic connections but India has underdelivered on its potential role in the region.
- China's strong integration with Southeast Asia has constrained India's influence and opportunities there.
India's Core Interests
- India's core interests are sovereignty, economic transformation, and maintaining strategic autonomy.
- India pursues a nimble foreign policy to protect these interests in a multipolar world where it seeks to be a key power.
India's Strengths in Multipolar World
- India is a continental power controlling vital Indian Ocean trade routes and a growing economic force.
- Its global influence is reinforced by championing developing countries and acting as a counterweight to China.
