Bharat Emerging as Voice of Global South: Maj. Gen. Rajiv Narayanan

Mysore/Mysuru:  “The indomitable rise of India, its legacy as a global manufacturing hub, strong domestic consumption capacity, economic and military strength, and the impact of Operation Sindoor have positioned the country for strategic autonomy. These are the pillars of Bharat’s growing strength. India has today emerged as the voice of the Global South and carries significant diplomatic heft,” said Maj. Gen. Rajiv Narayanan (Retd.), AVSM, VSM, Professor of Practice at IIT Madras.

He was delivering the inaugural address at the 10th International Conference on Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: Emerging Trends, organised by Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development (SDM-IMD), Chamundi Hill Road, Siddarthanagar, Mysuru recently.

Speaking on the theme “Global Geopolitics: Reflections on the Indian Macro Economy,” Maj. Gen. Narayanan highlighted India’s emergence as a rising global economic power.

Referring to the concept of the ‘Rise and Fall of Great Powers: The 400-Year Cycle,’ he analysed the current positioning of several nations within this framework. He observed that Bharat stands at the ‘cusp of rise’ and that the Indian economy is increasingly contributing to global economic stability.

He added that the success of Operation Sindoor has further strengthened India’s defence exports and boosted the expansion of its defence industry.

Prof. M. S. Sriram, Professor at IIM Bangalore, delivered the keynote address, focusing on India’s agricultural economy. Calling agriculture “a circular economy,” he pointed out the persistent challenges around sustainability.

Speaking on the co-operative movement, he remarked that while capital investment is essential, profitability need not rely solely on financial returns — it can also stem from intellectual contributions.

Dr. (Lt. Col.) S.N. Prasad, Directo̧r, SDM-IMD, in his opening remarks, emphasised the unpredictable nature of global economic behaviour.