**Title: India Embraces Its Status as a Rising Global Power, Says Media Expert**
In a recent interview with RT India, Smita Prakash, editor of Asia News International (ANI), discussed India's evolving perception of itself as a rising global power. Prakash emphasized that India is no longer hesitant about its ambitions and that this assertiveness is causing concern among established global powers.
Reflecting on her 36-year career in journalism, Prakash noted a significant shift in India's self-image. "When I began my career, we were shy about it. We were embarrassed about it. We were told again and again that we are a third-world country," she stated. This sentiment has changed dramatically, with Prakash asserting that contemporary Indians are unapologetic about their aspirations for growth and prominence on the world stage.
India's economic progress is noteworthy; it is currently the world's fourth-largest economy by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently highlighted India as the fastest-growing major economy, despite facing various macroeconomic challenges. This growth has contributed to a more confident national identity, which Prakash argues is perceived as a threat by other nations.
Prakash criticized Western media portrayals of India, suggesting that they often misrepresent the country by focusing on isolated incidents rather than the broader narrative of growth and development. "Foreign media outlets are likely to get the India story wrong," she remarked, attributing this to financial constraints that limit comprehensive reporting. She highlighted the importance of on-the-ground coverage, stating, "Unless you travel on the ground and cover it, you’re not covering news."
She also pointed out that the Western narrative often overlooks India's manufacturing sector and the overall growth story. Instead, it tends to focus on negative aspects, such as social unrest or corruption scandals, which can create a skewed perception of the country. Prakash referenced a recent controversy involving the leak of questions for a national medical entrance exam, suggesting that foreign media might exploit such incidents to portray India as a nation on the brink of upheaval.
Prakash's comments come at a time when India is increasingly asserting its role in international forums, such as the G20, where it seeks to represent the interests of developing countries. However, she expressed skepticism about the sincerity of Western efforts to include these nations in global discussions, suggesting that there is a reluctance to accept a growing India in the international arena.
As India continues to navigate its path as a rising power, the discourse surrounding its ambitions and the global response will likely remain a focal point of international relations.