Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

India embraced globalization in the early 1990s. Integration in the global market allowed its economy to grow considerably. At the same time, it has become more assertive in its economic and foreign policy outreach. One of the most remarkable aspects of this phenomenon is India’s growing role as a development partner, i.e. provider of foreign aid. Affirming its role as a development partner is a key element for India to become a global actor. In light of the growing volume of aid provided by India to other countries, a study of Indian development assistance is increasingly relevant. Being foreign aid policy a relevant aspect of foreign policy, an analysis of India’s role as a donor is necessary to understand India’s rising geopolitical and economic role within the South Asian region and at a global level. The paper aims to provide a picture of India’s development assistance in terms of main geographical areas targeted, financial instruments used and economic sectors concerned, with a focus on India’s interests as a donor and its position vis-a-vis the mainstream development assistance paradigm.