Congratulations, India. Congratulations, Prime Minister Modi. Mr Modi has now become one of the longest serving leaders ovf India, surpassing Indira Gandhi and joining the ranks of leaders, such as Nehru. This is ultimately a testament of trust from the Indian people, and tells about the strength of Indian democracy. Only very few democratic leaders in the world have secured three consecutive national mandates on this scale.
Secondly, India has risen from emerging power to global power. During modern times, India has transformed from being viewed as emerging economy into one of the central pillars of the global growth. India is now amongst the world’s largest economies, and a leader in digital public infrastructure, innovation, space technology, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship, and the world increasingly looks to India not only as a market but as a strategic partner and as a source of solutions.
Thirdly, India is a major player in the new multipolar world. We are living through the most significant geopolitical transition since the end of the Cold War, and India’s voice has become increasingly important in G20, in the UN, at global discussions on economic development, climate, technology, and security. Furthermore, India has demonstrated an ability to engage with all the major regions and powers while maintaining its strategic autonomy.
We must work on the institutions. It’s increasingly difficult to discuss the future of global governance without recognizing India’s role and importance. Therefore, India’s contribution to UN to peacemaking, development policies, climate action, and international cooperation has been substantial. A stronger Indian voice in global institutions is not only in India’s interest, but also in the interest of a more representative international system.
* Ville Skinnari is a Member of Parliament, Finland
