http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/4311574.stm
Ask the Indian government minister
Commuters alight from trains in Mumbai
Which issues concern you most about India's future?
India has the world's second largest population and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
But these are testing times for the country. Despite increased wealth and a burgeoning urban middle class, the vast majority of India's rural population remains illiterate and impoverished.
In the aftermath of last week's earthquake, India has offered assistance to Pakistan, which some hope could lead to closer relationships between the two countries.
You can put all your questions directly to Ambika Soni, Chair of the All India Congress Committee.
What do you think of the government's response to the earthquake in South Asia? Is India's economic success sustainable? Will relations with Pakistan improve? Which issues concern you most about India's future?
We'll be discussing India's future in a special edition of Talking Point, live from Delhi on Sunday, 16 October. Our special guest will be Ambika Soni, Chair of the All India Congress Committee. If you'd like to take part, send a phone number with you comments and questions. Your number will not be published.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
India and Pakistan will continue to posture against one another for their own domestic political reasons, including distracting from endemic poverty and class-based cultures second to none. Atomic bombs and missiles would suggest less than rational governments which appear to have learned nothing from watching the Cold War play out. They should focus on improving the lot of their respective populations by building schools, hospitals, and expanding opportunities for all. The money they currently spend on bombs and missiles should be spend on productive schemes.
Michael, California, USA
I am not sure I'd wish the title "world superpower" on any nation. With that title comes responsibility within one's country and without for the greater good of all peoples.
Penny, USA
Hopefully India will lead the world towards a more humane and tolerant future
Nilesh, Antwerp, Belgium
With the sheer size of the population and the growth it is generating at all levels, there is no doubt that India will eventually be a power to contend with. Its population is also going to remain younger compared to China - where due to one child policy, the aged will dominate the populace after 20 years. So, the burgeoning economy will have a forward momentum in future as well, and certainly would make India a key player on the global stage. While China has used its power to bully and generally disregard world opinion on many humanitarian issues, hopefully India will lead the world towards a more humane and tolerant future.
Nilesh, Antwerp, Belgium
I don't believe that India will become a superpower, however China and the EU are different stories. Both will become superpowers.
Rui M Silva, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
One constant assumption here of comments from most of the people who are not from India is that Indian economic growth is due to "wage difference / outsourcing " - maybe it'll help if they are told that it counts for about $10 billion in the Indian economy of $700 billion
Sundar, USA
India has a lot of room to grow, and will. India's problem however is that it is simply too overpopulated and too many people are dedicated to food production. Agriculture doesn't earn much revenue and prevents people from getting a higher education. Also, India suffers from emigration of the middle class. Anyone who is educated, has the potential to earn money, and contribute tax revenue leaves because they can earn more elsewhere. Indian wages need to increase before they start holding onto their skilled workers and can start importing grain from poorer countries.
Drew, Philadelphia, USA
As an Indian living in India, I feel all this talk about India being a superpower is part hype and part reality. We have a long, long way to go, just to become a power. The problem of corruption, poverty and pathetic infrastructure persists. All successive governments have failed to tackle these issues. Having lived in India all my life I do find a change in the people's mindset, being more positive and confident about the future
Dinesh Nair, Mumbai, India
Increase the prosperity across all segments of population
Vaman, Frederick, MD
As an Indian born American Citizen, I am quite impressed at so many positive feelings about India. The issue is not to become a superpower, but is to increase the prosperity across all segments of population. This is where India needs to concentrate and not worry too much about a super power status.
Vaman, Frederick, MD
Since when was a superpower constructed from call centres? As the standard of living, and hence the wages of Indian people rise, the jobs will move on to other cheaper countries.
Chris, Telford, UK
Most definitely, it is a democratic nation with over 900 million people, there's nothing stopping it. When the economy gets to a size rather like Germany or Britain, and its people start to earn more money, the Indian Treasury will rake in the money which will of course make the country a huge player and may very well overtake the USA. The Europeans MUST get their act together.
Joshua, Farnham, Surrey
India will become a superpower. They have the economy, the labour and resources to be one of the truly great nations of the world. But they should thank the British people for their potential. England gave them democracy, justice and a will to succeed, just as they did for so many countries around the world. My own included.
Bruce, Blackwell, Ok, USA
India needs to take strong and clear cut decisions to emerge as a global player
Nivedita Nadkarni, Madison, USA
It takes more than potential to emerge as a superpower and that is the proper tapping of the potential. One question for Ambika Soni: How can India make any progress, when all of our international policy seems to be centred around pleasing the US? This is with reference to the anti-Iran vote. The Americans got the Indians to do what they want, but will the Americans even "try" to consider India's concerns? India needs to take strong and clear cut decisions to emerge as a global player, not behave like an American subsidiary, which seems to be the Congress policy at the moment.
Nivedita Nadkarni, Madison, USA
The thought behind this question is very western. India should not chase the so called "super-Power" status. We have seen in recent past being superpower does not guarantee happiness/fulfilment of the populace. India by the western definition is a developing country, still it has one of the best education through put in the world. Most people have easy access to affordable healthcare (Remember 50% of Indian population is twice the size of USA in numbers). India has been lowering poverty rate since independence, where our resources of about 15 trillion were taken away. I think as the new generations emerge in India and Pakistan, issues will become irrelevant
CR, USA
India's current success is not just because of outsourcing. I agree that outsourcing has been the catalyst for this growth. India excels in other fields also such as pharmacy, agriculture, industrial and scientific research. India should proceed and improve its defence research. Defence field is not only just for developing missiles and fighter planes, it also provides technology for other fields such as medicine, electronics, agriculture, eg, USA and Israel. As far as the caste system, it will slowly fade away with more and more inter-caste marriages as they are happening right now. If the arrogance is synonym for superpower then I don't India to be superpower. There is a lot of work to be done to reduce economic imbalances. And finally, to our neighbours, you don't respect India because you don't want to.
Sreedhar Nandam, India
India is a country gaining economic ground in the world
Justin, Bristol, UK
You only have to look at the number of British jobs that are sent to India to see that India is a country gaining economic ground in the world. Poverty means nothing. Russia has many impoverished people and Russia was a superpower. One in six people in the world live in India. India is already a nuclear power. India is an emerging superpower and it would be naive to think otherwise.
Justin, Bristol, UK
India needs to clean up its home first. It has potential to become superpower. It will become only if it tries to give up the caste system that is becoming a block. In the process of India becoming superpower, the rich will get richer and poor will become poorer. It will also crumble under pressure of its own population after some time and it will have severe problem of old people after the next generation.
Ajit Nadgouda, Mumbai, India
India has to make a complete break from its socialist and its purported non-aligned past to become a superpower. Investment in Space technology, nanotechnology and the military is just as important as spending on the poor.
V Narayan, Sweden
India as a whole could not cope with such an economic responsibility. They need to sort out the corruption first then form a hierarchy that is strong enough to compete with the other superpowers such as the USA, and Europe. What remains to be seen is how economically India will benefit from assisting Pakistan.
Preeti R Gour, Czech Republic
Considering the ever-widening disparity of current socio-economic levels in the country, India achieving a superpower status is a pipe dream and more importantly of the least concern. Let not this waver our focus on more pressing matters.
Kashyap Mothali, Hyderabad, India
India already is a key player on the world stage. That said their economic power and productivity are limited by overpopulation and stressed physical resources. For that reason, for the foreseeable future only a small/limited percentage of India's population will be able to enjoy a decent standard of living. The current Indian service boom based on cheap labour is not sustainable without a cash cow - just look at the dot com bust to see what happens when the cash cow runs out.
Matt, Bellevue, WA, USA
Indian growth is slow and steady and will continue due to its huge and still emerging market (hopefully it will not be export-import based). As an NRI visiting India every year; the implications of a 6/7% growth were more apparent. I actually saw the 'before' and 'after' for 6 years till returned. Indian economic growth is perhaps the most sustainable, for the current growth is with all its problems, we can only imagine what would happen as the problems are resolved. India's economy is evolving which is irreversible, growth can be lost.
Ketan Khare, Mumbai, India
Indians now have to develop a sense of national pride
Leila, USA
I spent this last summer in India and have been visiting the country, specifically Bangalore (major city for outsourcing) since I was a child. It is clear the increase in money that has come to India, and although it may take time the trickle down effect seems to be working. The cities are looking better, the people are richer. However, Indians now have to develop a sense of national pride and come together to bring their fellow citizens up, they need to break the caste system and instead of suppressing their neighbours they need to help them. Until then India can never be a true super power.
Leila, USA
India's growth is reliant on the continued outsourcing of jobs from the west, simply to save money. As Indians progressively get richer, prices rise, giving way to inflation, and as such wage demands will also increase. The key factor will be how long the firms will hold this out before exporting these jobs again.
Darryl LeCount, Paderborn, Germany
The growth of India like China is directly tied to the United States policy of allowing the free transfer of technology and outsourcing of service and manufacturing. It is in America's and the world's interest to see China and India as free, prosperous, and stable nations but they should beware of becoming smug and confrontational. A rupture of say China with the US resulting in a cut-off of all economic relations would quickly send it reeling back into economic oblivion.
Mark, USA
India that will become a reservoir of knowledge and innovation in the near future
C Sachidananda Narayanan, Tirunelveli, India
Indians rule the roost in the fields of science and technology - particularly in the subject field of Information Technology, space science and microbiology. A new trend in Geological Informatics is catching up now among young people in India. It is for sure that India that will become a reservoir of knowledge and innovation in the near future.
C Sachidananda Narayanan, Tirunelveli, India
Why would any country want to be a superpower? That's not the same thing as a prosperous, innovative and successful country. If India or China or Europe want to be superpowers, they can have it. It's a curse.
Shawn, Washington, DC, USA
India will eventually become a major power simply because they have begun to place a far greater emphasis on education. As they develop, their infrastructure will be the latest but in country where prices will still be low and very competitive. The route to being a successful superpower is not by armed might but by education and a broad knowledge of the views of the rest of the World.
Keith, Rayeligh England
What many people forget is that for much of world history, India and China were the economic/civilizational superpowers of the world. First European colonisation and greed, and then decades of government. mismanagement and corruption have hampered growth. India still has a long way to go, but she has all the potential, including redefining what a superpower is. And the number of people who live in abject poverty in India has fallen to around 350 million. While the naysayers shake their heads, India will plod on in her own way.
K. Srinivasan, Boston, MA
Europe got united after World War II. India and Pakistan should get united after this earthquake disaster. If they are united, all the money spent on defence can be spent for good causes. When this happens, "United India" will be a superpower.
Siva Kumar Narayanasamy, London, UK/Madurai, India
India already is a superpower, both in economic terms and in geo-political terms. That it has lots of poor people is irrelevant.
Mark, London, UK
Any country, outside of the Euro-zone, has the potential of becoming a superpower.
Michael, USA
Once India takes care of its poor and educates the illiterate then it could emerge as a superpower
David Totten, Denny, Scotland
If it does it will be at a cost. Expect pollution, corruption and exploitation of the poor in the race for riches. India won't be any different, than say the UK in the 19th Century.
Martyn Howie, Aberdeen
India has a greedy upper class and the poor will remain poor and the rich will remain rich. Unless and until they don't get rid of bureaucracy they can never become a super power. Its ties with Pakistan will also be short lived, someone just has to mention Kashmir again.
Samien, England
India will never be a superpower, much less a global power
Jonathan, Boston, USA
Not with 800 million people living in abject poverty it won't. It could build a thousand nuclear weapons and pass China up in terms of production of goods. Until the vast majority of its people could be considered "middle class", India will never be a superpower, much less a global power.
Jonathan, Boston, USA
Maybe when it starts spending money on its poor instead of nuclear weapons, space research and other weapons. If it has the money to do this, then it has money to help its poor! I for one will never donate to such countries.
Bruce Fox, Bournemouth, Dorset
India already became a superpower when it developed nuclear missiles.
Sung, London
It's impossible to see how India will not become a superpower. Sooner or later the economic oppression of a country with India's population will have to succeed. Now that the colonial oppressors have been consigned to history it's only a matter of time till the replacement of colonialism (economic oppression) will fail also. China is already well on the way to doing it and India can only follow. Europe, the US and their followers will be backwaters in time to come.
Len, Mandurah, Australia
No. How long before China begins to undercut jobs that have moved from the West to India? Give it two to three years and when calling our banks, we will be speaking to someone in Beijing not Bombay.
Nick, UK
India has had a sharp increase in the estimated number of HIV infections
Sezai, Eskisehir, Turkey
India has had a sharp increase in the estimated number of HIV infections, from a few thousand in the early 1990s to around 5.1 million children and adults living with HIV/AIDS in 2003 and more than 6 million today. If the number of people living with HIV/AIDS increases this fast, the social security system and the economy of India will be affected negatively.
Sezai, Eskisehir, Turkey
India has to be respected by its neighbours to become a superpower. It does not have a peaceful relationship with any of its neighbours. Can India be a responsible nation that is deemed worthy of superpower status? I think it has a way to go yet.
Anwar Khan, Toronto, Canada
The most important factor which is enabling India to achieve such growth is cost. Because wages are a lot lower than other European counties the Indian outsourcing companies can offer the equivalent service a lot cheaper. This will change once the people working for the outsourcing companies start to demand more of the new found wealth coming into the country. All labour starts out cheap but always becomes more costly.
John Fitzgerald, Boston, England
India is well poised to become a world superpower. It is ironical that the huge population that was once considered to be India's biggest liability is now rapidly transforming itself to become India's biggest asset. The fact that India has a young population is a huge bonus. The huge pool of English speaking graduates can further spur the economy. Of course the twin evils of corruption and inequality have to be eliminated before India can take its rightful place in the world.
Sarat Menon, Belgium/India
Indians are doing well in their own country and across the world
Suken Mehta, Mumbai, India
India has the capacity to become a world superpower. Indians are doing well in their own country and across the world. The only thing to come in the way is the politicians. If only they would have concern themselves with political issues - then there is nothing stopping us. India can show the other countries of the world many things and would be a different kind of superpower than the world has seen.
Suken Mehta, Mumbai, India
Successful outsourcing in India is built on the fact that the English language is common to the whole continent. This is not the case in other competing/developing nations like China. Superpower status is just a matter of time provided the problem of infrastructure and corruption is addressed. This is where the challenge really lies.
Rajen Morjaria, Kidgrove, UK
I think India has the potential and surely the opportunities to become a world superpower but what we lack is the attitude and not enough effort to get the masses out of poverty. The booming economy benefits the middle class and the rich. What about 80% of the country that is poor? A superpower should be able to provide economic freedom for all.
Divya Raman, Iowa city, USA
Two third of Indian population live in villages. Unless these villagers are brought above poverty line, offered a decent life, superpower status should not be even discussed.
Om Choudhary, Letchworth, England
India's economic success is built on the sacrifices of previous generations
Shekhar Scindia, Edison, NJ, USA
India's economic success is built on the sacrifices of previous generations, not just economic liberalisation. Even before the economy opened up these generations were quietly laying the foundations for India's future.
Shekhar Scindia, Edison, NJ, USA
I can see India growing to become one of the world's superpowers. A closed economy gave way to liberalisation in the 90's and since then, India has registered a growth rate exceeding 8% every year. In the next 5 years, India is investing heavily in basic infrastructure like energy, roads and railways. A fiercely competitive education system continues to churn out graduates in is millions every year, who can take on the demands of a changing world - be it in service sector or manufacturing. There are many issues which need addressing and some of these will get automatically corrected with better growth rates.
Anil, Herts, UK
India definitely has the potential to become a global superpower within this century. A huge pool of skilled English speaking graduates are key to the required and sustainable growth rates needed. Yet at the same time, the Indian government should pay heed to its critics who point out that social spending, especially in the areas of health and education, as well as the rooting out of corruption and encouraging civic duty are the key platforms behind any real change.
Saj Chakkalakal, UK/India
A good economy and industrial growth, yes, but superpower is asking for too much. With prevalent caste system, complete disconnection between urban and rural lives, pathetic infrastructure, rampant corruption - it's difficult to foresee India as a superpower in the next 50 years. India's focus should be to spread the riches across the nation and among the impoverished rather than eyeing the superpower tag. That means less spending on missiles and defence and more on basic needs of people.
Deep, Calcutta, India
The Indian government needs to address some major issues
Anuj Goel, New York, USA
In order to achieve sustainable economic growth, the Indian government needs to address some major issues. Investment in infrastructure, a consistent and accommodative foreign investment policy, well regulated capital markets, overhaul of the judiciary, reduced inefficiencies in government organisations, and above all, political stability.
Anuj Goel, New York, USA
India SHOULD become a world superpower soon. However, that is not enough, we must adhere to the basic requirements of the hundreds of millions of people both in rural and urban India. Even now, the infrastructure in the capital cities of several states in appalling. I think the Mumbai floods should be a wakeup call for all India.
Akshay Misra, Newcastle, UK/ Dubai, UAE
Just because multinational corporations are flocking to India mainly because of cheap labour does not mean the country will become a superpower. Anyone who visits India can see the overpopulation, extreme poverty, Third World facilities and too many social issues going on. India has a long way to go to catch up with the 21st century and I can't see this happening in our lifetimes, whatever economic analysts may say.
Richard, London, UK
Indians seem to me to be an innovative and industrious people. I am an IT worker and have certainly seen the impact that India has made in this sector (not all of it welcome from my point of view, I have to say!). I am certain that India will attain even greater influence in the global economy that it has now, but I suspect that the gap between the 'haves' and 'have nots' in India will widen rather than diminish.
Rob Lovett, Swindon, Wiltshire
India has a serious problem with the spread of AIDS
Nicola, Scotland
India has a serious problem with the spread of AIDS, which at the moment is crippling Africa's economy. Facing this should be a priority or it will destroy any chances future generations have to prosper to become a global player.
Nicola, Scotland
India is an extremely large country with a huge population, Its education standards vary from illiterate to rocket scientists and brain surgeons. Its personal wealth varies from absolute poverty to incredibly rich. It has a huge agricultural base and a solid, growing industrial and electronics industry. Sound familiar? Just look at the US.
Michael, Lincoln, England
India's economic progress in recent years has been remarkable, but patchy. Progression from this early phase of development will require very substantial investment in national infrastructure. Without this, the path to growth and prosperity will be choked off and the benefits will never filter down to the bulk of the population. If India is to invest in its own infrastructure, then that same burgeoning middle class will have to pay its taxes. Tax collection is pitifully low and evasion the normal state of affairs. India's growth will ultimately depend on its ability to foster a sense of civic responsibility.
David, UK (frequently in India)
The definition of a superpower is open to debate. As India grows, she must bring with her a rising tide that will lift the poor from their misery. That in essence, is a real superpower.
Karthik Dinakar, Bangalore
While India's economic growth is encouraging, its sustainability is doubtful
Sigismond Wilson, Sierra Leonean in Michigan, USA
India's economic growth is mainly the result of "outsourcing" of hi-tech, telecommunications and other services from the West, particularly the US. This is mainly due to the availability of professional technical skills at cheaper cost. While India's economic growth is encouraging, its sustainability is doubtful as the growth of hi-tech industries in other developing countries (especially China) could, over time, serve as a major destination of "outsourcing" which could have a negative effect on India's economy.
Sigismond Wilson, Sierra Leonean in Michigan, USA
If India can overcome the strict caste system and allow "common" people to advance in leadership positions, then we can become a superpower. The elitists think a poor person cannot overcome his situation to run companies or take up government positions. I have lived in the US for 10 years now and see why the US is such a superpower. Everyone is in a position to advance, not because they were born wealthy, but because they are (usually) the best person for the job. There is a very powerful culture of entrepreneurship in the US that India can learn from.
Japjit, San Francisco, California
An increasing number of multi-national corporations are flocking to India to tap into the one-billion strong consumer market, and to take advantage of a very well educated middle class that costs a fraction of educated workforces in other countries. With the resulting inflow of foreign capital combined with expanding domestic corporate and consumer credit markets, India is well on the path to robust economic growth over the next decade. The biggest challenge to India's global economic prominence is undoubtedly the Indian government. In order to truly harness existing and future opportunities, the government needs to address some major issues - investment in infrastructure, a consistent and accommodative foreign investment policy, reduced inefficiencies in government organizations, and above all, political stability.
Anuj Goel, New York, USA
While India's economy is indeed becoming stronger the sad fact remains that a vast majority of the population (especially those at the lower end of the caste system) still live in extreme poverty.
Satish Patel Gujaarati, Indian, but living in UK
Ask the Indian government minister
Commuters alight from trains in Mumbai
Which issues concern you most about India's future?
India has the world's second largest population and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
But these are testing times for the country. Despite increased wealth and a burgeoning urban middle class, the vast majority of India's rural population remains illiterate and impoverished.
In the aftermath of last week's earthquake, India has offered assistance to Pakistan, which some hope could lead to closer relationships between the two countries.
You can put all your questions directly to Ambika Soni, Chair of the All India Congress Committee.
What do you think of the government's response to the earthquake in South Asia? Is India's economic success sustainable? Will relations with Pakistan improve? Which issues concern you most about India's future?
We'll be discussing India's future in a special edition of Talking Point, live from Delhi on Sunday, 16 October. Our special guest will be Ambika Soni, Chair of the All India Congress Committee. If you'd like to take part, send a phone number with you comments and questions. Your number will not be published.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
India and Pakistan will continue to posture against one another for their own domestic political reasons, including distracting from endemic poverty and class-based cultures second to none. Atomic bombs and missiles would suggest less than rational governments which appear to have learned nothing from watching the Cold War play out. They should focus on improving the lot of their respective populations by building schools, hospitals, and expanding opportunities for all. The money they currently spend on bombs and missiles should be spend on productive schemes.
Michael, California, USA
I am not sure I'd wish the title "world superpower" on any nation. With that title comes responsibility within one's country and without for the greater good of all peoples.
Penny, USA
Hopefully India will lead the world towards a more humane and tolerant future
Nilesh, Antwerp, Belgium
With the sheer size of the population and the growth it is generating at all levels, there is no doubt that India will eventually be a power to contend with. Its population is also going to remain younger compared to China - where due to one child policy, the aged will dominate the populace after 20 years. So, the burgeoning economy will have a forward momentum in future as well, and certainly would make India a key player on the global stage. While China has used its power to bully and generally disregard world opinion on many humanitarian issues, hopefully India will lead the world towards a more humane and tolerant future.
Nilesh, Antwerp, Belgium
I don't believe that India will become a superpower, however China and the EU are different stories. Both will become superpowers.
Rui M Silva, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
One constant assumption here of comments from most of the people who are not from India is that Indian economic growth is due to "wage difference / outsourcing " - maybe it'll help if they are told that it counts for about $10 billion in the Indian economy of $700 billion
Sundar, USA
India has a lot of room to grow, and will. India's problem however is that it is simply too overpopulated and too many people are dedicated to food production. Agriculture doesn't earn much revenue and prevents people from getting a higher education. Also, India suffers from emigration of the middle class. Anyone who is educated, has the potential to earn money, and contribute tax revenue leaves because they can earn more elsewhere. Indian wages need to increase before they start holding onto their skilled workers and can start importing grain from poorer countries.
Drew, Philadelphia, USA
As an Indian living in India, I feel all this talk about India being a superpower is part hype and part reality. We have a long, long way to go, just to become a power. The problem of corruption, poverty and pathetic infrastructure persists. All successive governments have failed to tackle these issues. Having lived in India all my life I do find a change in the people's mindset, being more positive and confident about the future
Dinesh Nair, Mumbai, India
Increase the prosperity across all segments of population
Vaman, Frederick, MD
As an Indian born American Citizen, I am quite impressed at so many positive feelings about India. The issue is not to become a superpower, but is to increase the prosperity across all segments of population. This is where India needs to concentrate and not worry too much about a super power status.
Vaman, Frederick, MD
Since when was a superpower constructed from call centres? As the standard of living, and hence the wages of Indian people rise, the jobs will move on to other cheaper countries.
Chris, Telford, UK
Most definitely, it is a democratic nation with over 900 million people, there's nothing stopping it. When the economy gets to a size rather like Germany or Britain, and its people start to earn more money, the Indian Treasury will rake in the money which will of course make the country a huge player and may very well overtake the USA. The Europeans MUST get their act together.
Joshua, Farnham, Surrey
India will become a superpower. They have the economy, the labour and resources to be one of the truly great nations of the world. But they should thank the British people for their potential. England gave them democracy, justice and a will to succeed, just as they did for so many countries around the world. My own included.
Bruce, Blackwell, Ok, USA
India needs to take strong and clear cut decisions to emerge as a global player
Nivedita Nadkarni, Madison, USA
It takes more than potential to emerge as a superpower and that is the proper tapping of the potential. One question for Ambika Soni: How can India make any progress, when all of our international policy seems to be centred around pleasing the US? This is with reference to the anti-Iran vote. The Americans got the Indians to do what they want, but will the Americans even "try" to consider India's concerns? India needs to take strong and clear cut decisions to emerge as a global player, not behave like an American subsidiary, which seems to be the Congress policy at the moment.
Nivedita Nadkarni, Madison, USA
The thought behind this question is very western. India should not chase the so called "super-Power" status. We have seen in recent past being superpower does not guarantee happiness/fulfilment of the populace. India by the western definition is a developing country, still it has one of the best education through put in the world. Most people have easy access to affordable healthcare (Remember 50% of Indian population is twice the size of USA in numbers). India has been lowering poverty rate since independence, where our resources of about 15 trillion were taken away. I think as the new generations emerge in India and Pakistan, issues will become irrelevant
CR, USA
India's current success is not just because of outsourcing. I agree that outsourcing has been the catalyst for this growth. India excels in other fields also such as pharmacy, agriculture, industrial and scientific research. India should proceed and improve its defence research. Defence field is not only just for developing missiles and fighter planes, it also provides technology for other fields such as medicine, electronics, agriculture, eg, USA and Israel. As far as the caste system, it will slowly fade away with more and more inter-caste marriages as they are happening right now. If the arrogance is synonym for superpower then I don't India to be superpower. There is a lot of work to be done to reduce economic imbalances. And finally, to our neighbours, you don't respect India because you don't want to.
Sreedhar Nandam, India
India is a country gaining economic ground in the world
Justin, Bristol, UK
You only have to look at the number of British jobs that are sent to India to see that India is a country gaining economic ground in the world. Poverty means nothing. Russia has many impoverished people and Russia was a superpower. One in six people in the world live in India. India is already a nuclear power. India is an emerging superpower and it would be naive to think otherwise.
Justin, Bristol, UK
India needs to clean up its home first. It has potential to become superpower. It will become only if it tries to give up the caste system that is becoming a block. In the process of India becoming superpower, the rich will get richer and poor will become poorer. It will also crumble under pressure of its own population after some time and it will have severe problem of old people after the next generation.
Ajit Nadgouda, Mumbai, India
India has to make a complete break from its socialist and its purported non-aligned past to become a superpower. Investment in Space technology, nanotechnology and the military is just as important as spending on the poor.
V Narayan, Sweden
India as a whole could not cope with such an economic responsibility. They need to sort out the corruption first then form a hierarchy that is strong enough to compete with the other superpowers such as the USA, and Europe. What remains to be seen is how economically India will benefit from assisting Pakistan.
Preeti R Gour, Czech Republic
Considering the ever-widening disparity of current socio-economic levels in the country, India achieving a superpower status is a pipe dream and more importantly of the least concern. Let not this waver our focus on more pressing matters.
Kashyap Mothali, Hyderabad, India
India already is a key player on the world stage. That said their economic power and productivity are limited by overpopulation and stressed physical resources. For that reason, for the foreseeable future only a small/limited percentage of India's population will be able to enjoy a decent standard of living. The current Indian service boom based on cheap labour is not sustainable without a cash cow - just look at the dot com bust to see what happens when the cash cow runs out.
Matt, Bellevue, WA, USA
Indian growth is slow and steady and will continue due to its huge and still emerging market (hopefully it will not be export-import based). As an NRI visiting India every year; the implications of a 6/7% growth were more apparent. I actually saw the 'before' and 'after' for 6 years till returned. Indian economic growth is perhaps the most sustainable, for the current growth is with all its problems, we can only imagine what would happen as the problems are resolved. India's economy is evolving which is irreversible, growth can be lost.
Ketan Khare, Mumbai, India
Indians now have to develop a sense of national pride
Leila, USA
I spent this last summer in India and have been visiting the country, specifically Bangalore (major city for outsourcing) since I was a child. It is clear the increase in money that has come to India, and although it may take time the trickle down effect seems to be working. The cities are looking better, the people are richer. However, Indians now have to develop a sense of national pride and come together to bring their fellow citizens up, they need to break the caste system and instead of suppressing their neighbours they need to help them. Until then India can never be a true super power.
Leila, USA
India's growth is reliant on the continued outsourcing of jobs from the west, simply to save money. As Indians progressively get richer, prices rise, giving way to inflation, and as such wage demands will also increase. The key factor will be how long the firms will hold this out before exporting these jobs again.
Darryl LeCount, Paderborn, Germany
The growth of India like China is directly tied to the United States policy of allowing the free transfer of technology and outsourcing of service and manufacturing. It is in America's and the world's interest to see China and India as free, prosperous, and stable nations but they should beware of becoming smug and confrontational. A rupture of say China with the US resulting in a cut-off of all economic relations would quickly send it reeling back into economic oblivion.
Mark, USA
India that will become a reservoir of knowledge and innovation in the near future
C Sachidananda Narayanan, Tirunelveli, India
Indians rule the roost in the fields of science and technology - particularly in the subject field of Information Technology, space science and microbiology. A new trend in Geological Informatics is catching up now among young people in India. It is for sure that India that will become a reservoir of knowledge and innovation in the near future.
C Sachidananda Narayanan, Tirunelveli, India
Why would any country want to be a superpower? That's not the same thing as a prosperous, innovative and successful country. If India or China or Europe want to be superpowers, they can have it. It's a curse.
Shawn, Washington, DC, USA
India will eventually become a major power simply because they have begun to place a far greater emphasis on education. As they develop, their infrastructure will be the latest but in country where prices will still be low and very competitive. The route to being a successful superpower is not by armed might but by education and a broad knowledge of the views of the rest of the World.
Keith, Rayeligh England
What many people forget is that for much of world history, India and China were the economic/civilizational superpowers of the world. First European colonisation and greed, and then decades of government. mismanagement and corruption have hampered growth. India still has a long way to go, but she has all the potential, including redefining what a superpower is. And the number of people who live in abject poverty in India has fallen to around 350 million. While the naysayers shake their heads, India will plod on in her own way.
K. Srinivasan, Boston, MA
Europe got united after World War II. India and Pakistan should get united after this earthquake disaster. If they are united, all the money spent on defence can be spent for good causes. When this happens, "United India" will be a superpower.
Siva Kumar Narayanasamy, London, UK/Madurai, India
India already is a superpower, both in economic terms and in geo-political terms. That it has lots of poor people is irrelevant.
Mark, London, UK
Any country, outside of the Euro-zone, has the potential of becoming a superpower.
Michael, USA
Once India takes care of its poor and educates the illiterate then it could emerge as a superpower
David Totten, Denny, Scotland
If it does it will be at a cost. Expect pollution, corruption and exploitation of the poor in the race for riches. India won't be any different, than say the UK in the 19th Century.
Martyn Howie, Aberdeen
India has a greedy upper class and the poor will remain poor and the rich will remain rich. Unless and until they don't get rid of bureaucracy they can never become a super power. Its ties with Pakistan will also be short lived, someone just has to mention Kashmir again.
Samien, England
India will never be a superpower, much less a global power
Jonathan, Boston, USA
Not with 800 million people living in abject poverty it won't. It could build a thousand nuclear weapons and pass China up in terms of production of goods. Until the vast majority of its people could be considered "middle class", India will never be a superpower, much less a global power.
Jonathan, Boston, USA
Maybe when it starts spending money on its poor instead of nuclear weapons, space research and other weapons. If it has the money to do this, then it has money to help its poor! I for one will never donate to such countries.
Bruce Fox, Bournemouth, Dorset
India already became a superpower when it developed nuclear missiles.
Sung, London
It's impossible to see how India will not become a superpower. Sooner or later the economic oppression of a country with India's population will have to succeed. Now that the colonial oppressors have been consigned to history it's only a matter of time till the replacement of colonialism (economic oppression) will fail also. China is already well on the way to doing it and India can only follow. Europe, the US and their followers will be backwaters in time to come.
Len, Mandurah, Australia
No. How long before China begins to undercut jobs that have moved from the West to India? Give it two to three years and when calling our banks, we will be speaking to someone in Beijing not Bombay.
Nick, UK
India has had a sharp increase in the estimated number of HIV infections
Sezai, Eskisehir, Turkey
India has had a sharp increase in the estimated number of HIV infections, from a few thousand in the early 1990s to around 5.1 million children and adults living with HIV/AIDS in 2003 and more than 6 million today. If the number of people living with HIV/AIDS increases this fast, the social security system and the economy of India will be affected negatively.
Sezai, Eskisehir, Turkey
India has to be respected by its neighbours to become a superpower. It does not have a peaceful relationship with any of its neighbours. Can India be a responsible nation that is deemed worthy of superpower status? I think it has a way to go yet.
Anwar Khan, Toronto, Canada
The most important factor which is enabling India to achieve such growth is cost. Because wages are a lot lower than other European counties the Indian outsourcing companies can offer the equivalent service a lot cheaper. This will change once the people working for the outsourcing companies start to demand more of the new found wealth coming into the country. All labour starts out cheap but always becomes more costly.
John Fitzgerald, Boston, England
India is well poised to become a world superpower. It is ironical that the huge population that was once considered to be India's biggest liability is now rapidly transforming itself to become India's biggest asset. The fact that India has a young population is a huge bonus. The huge pool of English speaking graduates can further spur the economy. Of course the twin evils of corruption and inequality have to be eliminated before India can take its rightful place in the world.
Sarat Menon, Belgium/India
Indians are doing well in their own country and across the world
Suken Mehta, Mumbai, India
India has the capacity to become a world superpower. Indians are doing well in their own country and across the world. The only thing to come in the way is the politicians. If only they would have concern themselves with political issues - then there is nothing stopping us. India can show the other countries of the world many things and would be a different kind of superpower than the world has seen.
Suken Mehta, Mumbai, India
Successful outsourcing in India is built on the fact that the English language is common to the whole continent. This is not the case in other competing/developing nations like China. Superpower status is just a matter of time provided the problem of infrastructure and corruption is addressed. This is where the challenge really lies.
Rajen Morjaria, Kidgrove, UK
I think India has the potential and surely the opportunities to become a world superpower but what we lack is the attitude and not enough effort to get the masses out of poverty. The booming economy benefits the middle class and the rich. What about 80% of the country that is poor? A superpower should be able to provide economic freedom for all.
Divya Raman, Iowa city, USA
Two third of Indian population live in villages. Unless these villagers are brought above poverty line, offered a decent life, superpower status should not be even discussed.
Om Choudhary, Letchworth, England
India's economic success is built on the sacrifices of previous generations
Shekhar Scindia, Edison, NJ, USA
India's economic success is built on the sacrifices of previous generations, not just economic liberalisation. Even before the economy opened up these generations were quietly laying the foundations for India's future.
Shekhar Scindia, Edison, NJ, USA
I can see India growing to become one of the world's superpowers. A closed economy gave way to liberalisation in the 90's and since then, India has registered a growth rate exceeding 8% every year. In the next 5 years, India is investing heavily in basic infrastructure like energy, roads and railways. A fiercely competitive education system continues to churn out graduates in is millions every year, who can take on the demands of a changing world - be it in service sector or manufacturing. There are many issues which need addressing and some of these will get automatically corrected with better growth rates.
Anil, Herts, UK
India definitely has the potential to become a global superpower within this century. A huge pool of skilled English speaking graduates are key to the required and sustainable growth rates needed. Yet at the same time, the Indian government should pay heed to its critics who point out that social spending, especially in the areas of health and education, as well as the rooting out of corruption and encouraging civic duty are the key platforms behind any real change.
Saj Chakkalakal, UK/India
A good economy and industrial growth, yes, but superpower is asking for too much. With prevalent caste system, complete disconnection between urban and rural lives, pathetic infrastructure, rampant corruption - it's difficult to foresee India as a superpower in the next 50 years. India's focus should be to spread the riches across the nation and among the impoverished rather than eyeing the superpower tag. That means less spending on missiles and defence and more on basic needs of people.
Deep, Calcutta, India
The Indian government needs to address some major issues
Anuj Goel, New York, USA
In order to achieve sustainable economic growth, the Indian government needs to address some major issues. Investment in infrastructure, a consistent and accommodative foreign investment policy, well regulated capital markets, overhaul of the judiciary, reduced inefficiencies in government organisations, and above all, political stability.
Anuj Goel, New York, USA
India SHOULD become a world superpower soon. However, that is not enough, we must adhere to the basic requirements of the hundreds of millions of people both in rural and urban India. Even now, the infrastructure in the capital cities of several states in appalling. I think the Mumbai floods should be a wakeup call for all India.
Akshay Misra, Newcastle, UK/ Dubai, UAE
Just because multinational corporations are flocking to India mainly because of cheap labour does not mean the country will become a superpower. Anyone who visits India can see the overpopulation, extreme poverty, Third World facilities and too many social issues going on. India has a long way to go to catch up with the 21st century and I can't see this happening in our lifetimes, whatever economic analysts may say.
Richard, London, UK
Indians seem to me to be an innovative and industrious people. I am an IT worker and have certainly seen the impact that India has made in this sector (not all of it welcome from my point of view, I have to say!). I am certain that India will attain even greater influence in the global economy that it has now, but I suspect that the gap between the 'haves' and 'have nots' in India will widen rather than diminish.
Rob Lovett, Swindon, Wiltshire
India has a serious problem with the spread of AIDS
Nicola, Scotland
India has a serious problem with the spread of AIDS, which at the moment is crippling Africa's economy. Facing this should be a priority or it will destroy any chances future generations have to prosper to become a global player.
Nicola, Scotland
India is an extremely large country with a huge population, Its education standards vary from illiterate to rocket scientists and brain surgeons. Its personal wealth varies from absolute poverty to incredibly rich. It has a huge agricultural base and a solid, growing industrial and electronics industry. Sound familiar? Just look at the US.
Michael, Lincoln, England
India's economic progress in recent years has been remarkable, but patchy. Progression from this early phase of development will require very substantial investment in national infrastructure. Without this, the path to growth and prosperity will be choked off and the benefits will never filter down to the bulk of the population. If India is to invest in its own infrastructure, then that same burgeoning middle class will have to pay its taxes. Tax collection is pitifully low and evasion the normal state of affairs. India's growth will ultimately depend on its ability to foster a sense of civic responsibility.
David, UK (frequently in India)
The definition of a superpower is open to debate. As India grows, she must bring with her a rising tide that will lift the poor from their misery. That in essence, is a real superpower.
Karthik Dinakar, Bangalore
While India's economic growth is encouraging, its sustainability is doubtful
Sigismond Wilson, Sierra Leonean in Michigan, USA
India's economic growth is mainly the result of "outsourcing" of hi-tech, telecommunications and other services from the West, particularly the US. This is mainly due to the availability of professional technical skills at cheaper cost. While India's economic growth is encouraging, its sustainability is doubtful as the growth of hi-tech industries in other developing countries (especially China) could, over time, serve as a major destination of "outsourcing" which could have a negative effect on India's economy.
Sigismond Wilson, Sierra Leonean in Michigan, USA
If India can overcome the strict caste system and allow "common" people to advance in leadership positions, then we can become a superpower. The elitists think a poor person cannot overcome his situation to run companies or take up government positions. I have lived in the US for 10 years now and see why the US is such a superpower. Everyone is in a position to advance, not because they were born wealthy, but because they are (usually) the best person for the job. There is a very powerful culture of entrepreneurship in the US that India can learn from.
Japjit, San Francisco, California
An increasing number of multi-national corporations are flocking to India to tap into the one-billion strong consumer market, and to take advantage of a very well educated middle class that costs a fraction of educated workforces in other countries. With the resulting inflow of foreign capital combined with expanding domestic corporate and consumer credit markets, India is well on the path to robust economic growth over the next decade. The biggest challenge to India's global economic prominence is undoubtedly the Indian government. In order to truly harness existing and future opportunities, the government needs to address some major issues - investment in infrastructure, a consistent and accommodative foreign investment policy, reduced inefficiencies in government organizations, and above all, political stability.
Anuj Goel, New York, USA
While India's economy is indeed becoming stronger the sad fact remains that a vast majority of the population (especially those at the lower end of the caste system) still live in extreme poverty.
Satish Patel Gujaarati, Indian, but living in UK