Globalizing India

Aseema Sinha's Globalizing India examines the country's economic transformation and globalization's profound effects on trade and private sector reform.

In Globalizing India, Aseema Sinha delves into the intricate dynamics of India's ascent on the global economic front. The narrative unfolds by examining the impact of globalization on the nation since 1990, emphasizing that this transformation cannot be understood solely through the lens of national policy. Instead, Sinha highlights the importance of evolving trade capacities and the necessity for private sector reform. The book presents a compelling argument that India's economic evolution has been influenced by both domestic aspirations and international interests, creating a multifaceted view of globalization's role in shaping the country’s economic landscape.

The author paints a vivid picture of India's journey from a closed economy in 1990 to a significant player on the world stage by 2016. Sinha illustrates how foreign trade has become a driving force in India's economy, with Indian multinationals actively seeking global partnerships. By focusing on the second-generation reforms of the late 1990s, Globalizing India offers insights into how a nation that once held onto nationalist ideologies embraced global integration while maintaining its self-reliant ethos.

Through extensive fieldwork conducted in key cities such as Geneva, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Washington DC, as well as interviews with business and trade officials, the book provides a rich tapestry of perspectives. Sinha's analysis of the textile and pharmaceutical industries, supported by a wealth of documentary evidence, allows diverse voices to emerge, shedding light on the complex interplay between globalization and India's economic ambitions.