Think Again: India

Posted By Blake Hounshell Friday, January 26, 2007 - 11:37 AM Share

Think that India and the United States are natural allies? That India's democratic system will allow it to eventually surpass China? That India, despite its religious diversity, is a model for how we can all live together in peace and harmony?

Think again.

That's what Barbara Crossette, who was the chief correspondent for South Asia for the New York Times from 1988-1991, wants you to do as you read a new web exclusive for ForeignPolicy.com that's bound to be controversial. She's backed up her argument with lots of data showing that, for now, India's vaunted rise, and its celebrated tolerance, are more hype than reality when it comes to improving the lives of most Indians.

But you don't have to take Crossette's word for it—just take a gander at what India's own pundits are saying. Here's Ramesh Thakur, writing in The Hindu:

The demoralisation and ill-discipline of the police forces is matched by the public's distrust and fear of them. They are widely believed to be anti-poor, anti-women, anti-Muslim, and anti-outcastes. Torture is as routine as corruption is endemic.

EXPLORE:SOUTH ASIA, DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMICS, HUMAN RIGHTS, INDIA

Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.