Some analysts down a dichotomy, which seems the emerging countries must face: or develop economically and be a democracy . We start with the rejection of that premise, in other words, we must work for the development and welfare growth is consistent with the consolidation of democracy supported by a rule of law, recognition of freedoms and respect for human rights .
So today I wanted to talk about The India: India as an example of emerging country that is unwilling to renounce either the development or democracy. Growth may be less rapid than other countries of the BRIC group (which is not true, if we stick to the data), but do not leave secular multi-party democracy in which bet from the start is essential and is what makes him special. Its first Constitution of January 26, 1950 and embodied the synthesis between modernity and tradition and she has reached 60 years of uninterrupted democratic history. With nearly 1,200 million people, India is the world's largest democracy. Although often called a "noisy democracy" without a doubt, the institutional strength of its armed forces, security forces or of some public services such as post, for example, means that they leave with much advantage over other countries.
I do not mean that its development has been or is exempt from severe challenges. In fact, faces many internal problems, including widespread poverty (although this does not stop down), lack of basic infrastructure (although it has a railway system which should be enhanced), corruption, a high degree of social differentiation related to the caste system (although it has been able to challenge this system by opening the political administration and the so-called untouchables), a difficult territorial cohesion, regional imbalances, or even domestic terrorism issues.
However, it is noteworthy that, among emerging countries, India is the one with lowest index of inequality and more middle class each day increases.
also has two great resources, two major complications with the West that show the growing global role India: its democratic model with a relatively open market economy, as I said, and the dominance of English as a language to have him officer who facilitates the dissemination of culture and international influence.
The multiculturalism of India, religious diversity (Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians and Jews, among others, live), linguistic diversity (over 400 languages \u200b\u200bknown) or the ethnic diversity has increased an ancient tradition extraordinary dialogue and tolerance.
But the importance of India is multifaceted, it is for at least 5 strategic issues that we mean:
First, it is by its geostrategic position.
to develop India's role in the region is crucial in relations with Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan and to international security.
Secondly, it is by its economic, trade and tourism.
There is no doubt that in a situation like the current one has more sense than ever to address a debate on enlargement and deepening of our economic relations and trade, especially with an emerging country.
The English government has set up the Comprehensive Development Plan of the English Market in India to promote economic and trade relations.
English companies begin to open gap in the Indian market, where opportunities exist in certain sectors such as solar or high-speed trains.
bilateral trade has doubled over 2004, but remains at low levels for the potential of both countries. We must take the difficult economic situation we passed to boost trade.
Try to increase tourism that goes to Spain from India. Improving understanding of the image of Spain and its offer.
Thirdly, for the potential scientific and technological cooperation .
In this sense, it is planned to organize joint scientific meetings to strengthen relationships between researchers from India and Spain, which bear fruit in the development of research projects. The CSIC has also signed agreements for joint research in the fields of mathematics and astronomy.
Fourth, by the power of cultural exchange.
is time to strengthen cultural and academic relations advantage of the presence of the Cervantes Institute in New Delhi. In this way, you can play a decisive role in boosting trade and labor idiomatic English as a second language in western India. Also important is the recently formed India-Spain Council hand of private and public.
is also relevant role of House of India and the Casa Asia.
And fifth, we must strengthen ties to fight terrorism.
cooperation in the fight against terrorism is compelling, not only for terrorist attacks it suffered recently, but also by the domestic terrorism of the Naxalites in some northern states. CONCLUSION
In short, in everyday India is palpable the possibility of understanding, coexistence and respect for East and West. India is the place where the alliance of civilizations reached its full significance all its dimensions, an example of the ability to join that is different and finding the possibility of building a common path. A global infinity bursts in India and it is mixed with its infinite richness and complexity of the interior.
Spain and the EU must turn his eyes and put it on Asia and India with intensity, as has already USA made. Because the future will discern in this pole, incorporating Asian countries on an equal footing with Europeans and Americans in the formulation of global rules.
central Spain is strategically enhance bilateral relations because it is strong:
. of our external security,
. the increase of our exports,
. expansion of our businesses
. of job creation,
. of attracting investment,
. development of technical cooperation and
. to promote cultural exchange and social
Asian dimension, together with the Latin American and Mediterranean the key to strengthening the international position of Spain within the EU. But also the exchange and enrichment at all levels who can make this relationship will be key to our own future development.
