Mohan Kumar's book, 'India’s Moment,' introduces the term 'poverty veto' to elucidate the profound impact of poverty on India's position in global negotiations. With approximately 500 million citizens living in poverty, this phenomenon significantly hampers the country’s ability to engage effectively on the international stage.
The implications of the 'poverty veto' are evident in various global discussions, including WTO negotiations, climate change discussions, and responses to international crises such as the war in Ukraine. India's policy decisions in these arenas are largely influenced by the imperative to tackle domestic poverty issues, which in turn constrains its negotiating capacity.
Kumar argues that addressing the 'poverty veto' is essential for India to adopt a more assertive and adaptable stance in global affairs. He proposes that significant reductions in poverty levels are necessary, with a target of decreasing the number of impoverished citizens from 500 million to between 100 to 150 million. This ambitious goal emphasizes the importance of socioeconomic development in enhancing India's global influence.
'India’s Moment' highlights the intricate relationship between domestic socio-economic challenges and foreign policy. It underscores the necessity for India to confront its poverty problems to bolster its global negotiating power. By tackling these internal issues, India can aspire to strengthen its role in international negotiations and contribute more effectively to global discussions.
In summary, the concept of the 'poverty veto' serves as a critical lens through which to understand India's current limitations in global negotiations. By focusing on reducing poverty, India can pave the way for a more influential presence on the world stage.
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