Why Bharat Matters Book Review: A Refreshing Perspective on India's Rise in a Turbulent World

Why Bharat Matters Book Review

Name: Why Bharat Matters

Launch: 3 January 2024

Author: S. Jaishankar

Genre: Politics, International Relation, Non-Fiction

Rating: ★★★★

Buying Link: Amazon

Why Bharat Matters is a book by S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India, that offers his insights and analysis on the challenges and opportunities facing India in the global arena. The book, published in January 2024, is a sequel to his previous book The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World, which was released in 2020. In this book, Jaishankar argues that India's quest to become a leading power is not only driven by its national interests, but also by its civilizational identity and values. He uses the Ramayana, the ancient epic of India, as a lens to understand the transformation underway, in the world as much as in India itself. He also explains why foreign policy matters increasingly to all citizens in their daily lives, as India engages with the world in various domains, such as trade, energy, technology, health, culture, and security.

The book is divided into four parts, each focusing on a different aspect of India's foreign policy. The first part, titled 'The World of Bharat', explores the historical and cultural roots of India's worldview, and how it shapes its approach to global issues. The second part, titled 'The Challenges of Bharat', examines the current and emerging threats and opportunities for India, such as the impact of Covid-19, the rise of China, the changed posture of the United States, the strategy of Russia, the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, the radicalization and terrorism, and the climate change. The third part, titled 'The Solutions of Bharat', discusses the strategies and initiatives that India has adopted or proposed to deal with the challenges, such as the Act East policy, the Indo-Pacific vision, the Quad, the International Solar Alliance, the Vaccine Maitri, the Chabahar port, and the vishwa mitra concept. The fourth part, titled 'The Future of Bharat', envisions the prospects and potential of India in the coming decades, as it enters the Amrit Kaal, an era of growth and development, while staying true to its traditions and heritage.

The book is a refreshing and engaging read, as it combines the author's personal experiences, anecdotes, and observations, with his scholarly knowledge, analysis, and arguments. Jaishankar writes with clarity, conviction, and candor, and does not shy away from expressing his opinions and perspectives, even if they are controversial or unconventional. He also draws from a wide range of sources, such as literature, philosophy, history, religion, art, and culture, to illustrate his points and enrich his narrative. The book is not only informative, but also inspiring, as it showcases the achievements and aspirations of India, and its contributions and commitments to the global good.

The book, however, is not without its flaws and limitations. One of the main criticisms that can be leveled against the book is that it is too optimistic and idealistic, and does not adequately address the challenges and shortcomings that India faces internally, such as the social and economic inequalities, the political and institutional reforms, the communal and regional tensions, and the human rights and environmental issues. The book also tends to gloss over or justify some of the controversial or questionable decisions or actions that India has taken or supported in the international arena, such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, the Citizenship Amendment Act, the border standoff with China, the withdrawal from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the abstention from the UN Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka. The book also does not offer much comparison or contrast with other similar books or with the author's previous works, and does not engage with the alternative or opposing views or arguments that may challenge or critique his thesis or propositions.

In conclusion, Why Bharat Matters is a book that deserves to be read by anyone who is interested in or curious about India and its role in the world. The book provides a comprehensive and compelling account of India's foreign policy, and its vision and values, in a turbulent and unpredictable world. The book also makes a strong case for why India matters, not only because of its national interests, but also because of its civilizational identity and values. The book, however, is not a definitive or objective guide, but rather a personal and subjective reflection, of the author, who is not only a scholar and a diplomat, but also a politician and a patriot. The book, therefore, should be read with a critical and open mind, and with a willingness to question and debate. The book is not a final word, but a starting point, for a deeper and broader conversation on India and the world.

I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about India's foreign policy, and its civilizational identity and values. I would also suggest some questions for further discussion, such as:

• How does the Ramayana help us understand the transformation underway, in the world as much as in India itself?
• What are the main challenges and opportunities for India in the global arena, and how should India deal with them?
• What are the main strengths and weaknesses of India's foreign policy, and how can India improve its performance and influence?
• What are the main contributions and commitments of India to the global good, and how can India enhance its image and reputation?
• What are the main prospects and potential of India in the coming decades, and how can India achieve its goals and aspirations?