KUALA LUMPUR: India, that is Bharat, is poised to emerge as a global force but has firmly rejected the notion of Pax Indica, favouring instead "diversity and multipolarity".
India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said the world is inherently diverse, with various regions and countries deserving their rightful place on the global stage.
Speaking at an interaction session with the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, Jaishankar highlighted India's economic growth, currently ranked as the fifth-largest economy globally and projected to rise to the third-largest by 2027.
"Do I envision this rise of India and am I planning for it? Yes. India is on track to become a leading power," Jaishankar said, referencing Goldman Sachs' prediction of India becoming the world's second-largest economy by 2075, with an estimated GDP of US$52.5 trillion.
"We acknowledge and plan for India's ascent on the world stage. Preparation for a global footprint is a gradual process requiring steady development of influence worldwide," he said to a question about India's aspirations for regional or global leadership and the potential for a Pax Indica.
India's rise, however, he said would not adhere to a Pax Indica model.
Jaishankar, who was on a two-day official visit to Malaysia, underscored India's tradition, characterised by a pluralistic society that does not seek domination over others.
"Hence, that would be (India's) vision. We should truly share it with the world.
"The world comprises nearly 200 countries. Any form of Pax, be it Pax Americana (since 1945) or otherwise, distorts this diversity.
"It occurs when one country or one power dominates others, often at great cost to the world and those countries. That's how Pax Britannica (1815–1914) or Pax Romana (27 BC - 180 AD) came about.
"To me, a model view of the world is that every region, every country has a fair share in global decision-making.
"They're all stakeholders in what we live, and I think that would be much more in tune with Indian tradition and the Indian outlook towards life."
Pax Americana refers to a period of relative peace and stability that extended throughout the area of American influence, beginning with the end of World War II.
However, critics have pointed out that while it suggests a peaceful order, it has been associated with numerous conflicts and interventions driven by US foreign policy.
The concept has also been likened to the glorification of US imperialism or peace through strength.
The top four economies in the world today are the United States, China, Japan and Germany.
India, 10 years ago, was the 10th largest economy in the world, with a GDP of US$1.9 trillion at current market prices.
The Indian GDP is forecasted to exceed US$50 trillion over the next 52 years, reaching US$6.6 trillion around 2030, US$13 trillion by 2040, US$22 trillion by 2050, and US$30 trillion by 2060.
Jaishankar also affirmed India's momentum, growth, and confidence in maintaining its trajectory.
He highlighted India's demographic advantage, boasting the largest population globally with a youthful median age compared to countries grappling with aging populations.
India has one of the youngest working populations in the world, with nearly 53 per cent of its citizens under the age of 30.