10 Most Influential Countries: India Slips from 4th to 6th


Mumbai: Afflicted by misgovernance and corruption, India’s global clout has waned over the past year but could swing back if the economy regains its growth trajectory, says a geopolitical power index (GPI) report by an independent Mumbai-based think tank.

India slipped from fourth to sixth place in the report compared to July-December 2011, owing to misgovernance and corruption, said the GPI report, a biannual index by Global Intelligence Review using a mathematical model to analyse parameters ranging from economy and governance to military and innovations.

The report measured both the ability and potential of ten most influential countries - the U.S., China, Germany, Britain, Brazil, India, France, Russia, Japan and South Africa - on a scale of 0-10 across 11 parameters during January-June 2012.

“India’s global clout has waned over the past year on account of misgovernance and corruption. But with the economy likely to regain its growth trajectory in the second half of 2012, the geopolitical momentum could swing back in India’s favour,” said Minhaz Merchant, author of the report that is available with IANS.

According to the report, political uncertainty, stalled economic reforms and the prospect of a hung parliament in the next Lok Sabha election have diminished India’s ability to punch at its geopolitical weight.

“New Delhi is struggling to nuance its role in global crises – from Iran and Sri Lanka to Afghanistan and Syria – and a faltering strategic partnership with the U.S.,” it said.

Source: IANS