India PM Manmohan Singh’s comments to the FT – in defense of a chaotically democratic India versus a disciplined but un-free China, are worth a look. Sure, his remarks are profoundly political - coming just days before G20 and weeks before national elections. But they’re also thoughtful, frank and largely true – in effect, helping to prove his point about the long-term merit of doing business with a relatively transparent India compared with a deliberately murky Beijing. Not that it’s an either/or situation in many instances. The FT piece is here: (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d6298d84-1e04-11de-830b-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1
2 Comments to Democracy Vs One-Party State
WendyApril 2, 2009
Chaotic is right. Having lived several years in both China and India, I have found China a far easier place in which to function. Hooray that India is a democracy – but what rewards is that reaping? Someday, some way, everything will be wonderful? When will “the long run” get here? The outdated infrastructure and tangled bureaucracy are crippling, and the crookedness of the politicians is utterly obstructive. “Committed to the rule of law”? A simple interaction with city law enforcement certainly doesn’t seem to bear that out.
When will Indian lawmakers step up and do something other than just talk?
April 1, 2009
India with its vast land and diversity have abysmal tourism statistics. Far below tiny Singapore and no where near China…