The Future of Asia-Pacific Economic Integration Session 2

Seventy years after independence, India is the world’s largest democracy, one of its most diverse societies, and the economy with growth potential that could rival China’s. Yet it also remains one of the poorest and unequal, with hundreds of millions mired in deep poverty and limited by a rigid caste system that constrains social mobility. The Narendra Modi-led government’s turn to Hindu nationalism has sharpened sectarian tensions and raised questions over the rule of law—and hasn’t helped relations with Pakistan either. With three decades left before its centennial, what must India do to become a decisive force on the world stage and convert its expected demographic dividend into broad prosperity? Featuring: Bart Édes, North American Representative, Asian Development Bank; Shihoko Goto, Senior Northeast Asia Associate, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Jonathon Hallberg, Executive Director, Jefferson County Development Corporation; Jason Hester, President, Greater Columbus Indiana Economic Development Corporation; Fukunari Kimura, Chief Economist, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia; And other participants. Moderated by Karl Friedhoff, Fellow, Public Opinion and Asia Policy; Michael Lev, Member, Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune; Phil Levy, Senior Fellow, Global Economy.