Annual Report 2007 - Observer Research Foundation

EMAJOR
EVENTS
“In the first decade
of the 21st century,
we are once again
standing at a turning
point in history. There
is a perceptible shift
in the centre of
global balance”
The two world wars, multitude of ethnic clashes, battles of identity and polarization over religions
have created a world that is prosperous yet fragile, that is harmonious and yet tenuous in its linkage
and relationship.
In the first decade of the 21st century, we are once again standing at a turning point in history.
There is a perceptible shift in the centre of global balance. There is a beginning of the shift of focus
back to Asia and hopefully to a multi-polar world. Among those leading the changing dynamics are
two nations: India and China.
India’s progress in the last 15 years, ever since it has decided to open its door to global economy and
integrate itself to the global economic order, has also been hugely promising. With its strong democratic
values and implicit storehouse of skilled manpower, India has won the confidence of the world
as a chosen global investment destination. With our balanced foreign and defence policy approach,
we have proven ourselves as a nation that is willing and capable to engage in the task of global restructuring,
seriously and responsibly. Our action, even in the face of grave provocation, has won us the
respect of the international community time and again.
It is time to build on this foundation and it is imperative that we establish a sense of constructive
engagement between India and China to take advantage of the unfolding global scenario. The driving
engine of global growth has shifted from industry to knowledge and with it to people. India and
China are blessed on both accounts. The quest for knowledge is inherent in the traditions of both
countries. India’s success in information technology led industries and its promise in new areas like
biotechnology and nanotechnology is a clear indication of knowledge-driven growth. Today, almost
50% of the global software majors are populated with people of Indian and Chinese origin. Inventive
by nature and industrious by instinct, our two peoples are having some of the
biggest names in the world of business. It is time that we share this growth by
growing our own markets and strengthening our bilateral relationship.
As two of the largest nations in Asia and also as neighbours who share a vast
border, the two countries have a major role to play in ensuring stability, development
and prosperity of this region and the world at large. It is a fact that
India-China relations over the last five decades have not been smooth. There
might have been contradictions in some of our approaches and positions which
is not unusual in the relations of the nations. But I firmly believe that these are
not insurmountable challenges. In fact, we are already proactively addressing
the contentious issues between us. During my visit to China this year, the Chinese
Premier, Mr. Wen Jiabao, told me, “the time when China and India enjoyed
friendly relations lasted 2000 years or 99.9% of total time of our interactions.
In terms of conflicts, the conflicts between our two countries only lasted two
36 Observer Research Foundation ◆ Annual Report 2007