THE common perspective in Pakistan regarding India’s foreign policy is often shaped by Bollywood and the media, offering a limited view of India’s complex socio-economic realities. This perspective tends to overshadow pressing issues within India, such as poverty, income inequality, brain drain, and a growing rich-poor divide between the poor and the rich.
Bollywood, with its vibrant portrayal of culture and glamour, becomes the lens through which many Pakistanis perceive India, sidelining critical issues within Indian society. The narrative portrayed on screens rarely delves into the stark disparities between the affluent and the impoverished or the systemic inequalities that exist beneath the surface.
India’s ascent in fields like Information Technology (IT) and finance garners international recognition, but it obscures the exodus of intellectual capital arising from poverty. Brain drain, the emigration of highly skilled individuals seeking better opportunities abroad, is a bitter consequence of India’s development. Indian-origin CEOs’ global prominence masks the story of professionals seeking greener pastures to escape the clutches of poverty.
Despite India’s global success, poverty persists. While India excels globally, a large portion of its population lives in poverty. Wealth disparities, exemplified by figures like Ambani and Adani, raise questions about the nation’s direction. Income inequality and India’s uninclusive growth remain significant challenges. The benefits of economic growth have not reached everyone, exacerbating social tensions and disparities in education and healthcare.
Agriculture, vital for a significant portion of India’s population, faces challenges due to low productivity, lack of modernization and inadequate support infrastructure. Land ownership, credit and market volatility hinder farmers. Deep-rooted socio-economic disparities are a major obstacle to India’s superpower status. Despite economic growth, a large portion of India’s population lacks basic amenities and has unequal opportunities, hindering the nation’s development and stability.
India’s rapid urbanization and technological advancements coexist with infrastructure and development gaps. The complex political landscape and bureaucratic inefficiencies slow policy implementation and sustainable development efforts. Political polarization, bureaucracy, and corruption continue to hinder governance.
The portrayal of India’s foreign policy and domestic affairs is influenced by the media landscape, often under government influence. The current Modi Administration has been accused of manipulating the narrative to showcase a sanitized version of India, sidelining critical issues. The facade of a ‘Great India’ often omits the challenges that come with rapid growth.
For Pakistanis, it is crucial to shed a defeatist mentality towards India’s foreign policy and internal affairs. Adopting a defeatist outlook can limit constructive engagement and hinder the ability to objectively assess regional developments.
Critically evaluating India’s foreign policy and internal dynamics is essential. Instead of accepting surface-level narratives, Pakistanis should delve deeper into the intricacies of India’s policies, historical context and potential implications. This involves examining not only the successes touted by the media but also the challenges India faces. A nuanced understanding of India’s motivations and actions can lead to more informed discussions and policy analyses.
In conclusion, the common perspective of people in Pakistan towards India’s foreign policy, shaped largely by Bollywood and the media, provides a limited view of the complex socio-economic realities. The triumphs in fields like IT and finance should not overshadow the persistent struggles of the impoverished and marginalized. By embracing a more balanced outlook and acknowledging the challenges that coexist with India’s progress, Pakistanis can foster a more informed and constructive perspective on their neighbouring nation’s foreign policy.
—The writer is a contributing columnist and occasionally writes for the national press on social and international issues.
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