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India in the South Asian Context

This article explores the political economy of development in India. It then discusses political issues that reached threatening proportions in the 1990s, almost paralyzing the political process. The most serious challenge since independence to the integrity of the country was triggered by the destruction of the 465-year-old Babri Masjid by Hindu fundamentalists on December 6, 1992. In addition, the Kashmir problem, a festering wound on the whole subcontinent since 1947, acquired new urgency in view of the dogged determination of the people in the valley to win the right to self-determination and the intensity of Indian military oppression. Whatever happens will deeply affect politics and economics in the region. In this context, the question of South Asian cooperation in a world increasingly segmented into rival trade blocks is explored.

India — politics, India — economy, economic policy, economic development, Hinduism, Muslims, religion and politics, fundamentalism

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 23, Nos. 1-2 (1996): 203-227