Ideas of India Summit 2026: ABP Group Chief Editor Atideb Sarkar inaugurated the ‘Ideas of India 2026’ summit on Friday. Referring to the rapid changes taking place in world politics and economy, he said that India’s role in the new world order is very important. Starting his address, he said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Ideas of India 2026. Last year we saw a glimpse of a new era of humanity, but since then the world has been stuck in conflict.”
The Chief Editor said that the war has reached our area. The White House dealt a blow to global trade by imposing tariffs, although the US Supreme Court later canceled this decision. India has negotiated a free trade agreement with the European Union. Farmer organizations in India are opposing the possible agreement with America. The situation is still bad in Gaza. There has been a change of power in Venezuela. There is tension in Iran. Many attempts to end the war in Ukraine have not yet brought peace. He clearly said that peace does not come automatically in global politics.
Kissinger’s perspective on world order
Atideb Sarkar referred to Henry Kissinger’s views given in 2014. Henry Kissing had said that the world needs a system in which there are fixed rules and every country has limits on what it can and cannot do. This system should run on the basis of recognition and balance of power of the countries, otherwise the world will move towards anarchy.
The Chief Editor said that the international system that was formed in Europe after the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 was based on the sovereignty of countries, non-interference in each other’s affairs and balance of power. Later, the same system was implemented in many parts of the world, but due to changes in technology, greater connectivity of the world and the emergence of countries with different thinking, this system came under challenge. The situation in Europe became such that a common system started controlling its currency and borders.
Said this on the role of Russia, America and China
Atideb Sarkar said that Russia still remains an enigma for Europe. He fought the most wars in this region, but also prevented any one country from dominating the whole of Europe. Regarding America, he said that there have been two streams there. An idealistic thinking, which wants to spread democratic values in the world. Second realistic thinking, which gives priority to national interest and balance of power. China’s thinking has been different. According to the system there, there should be a kind of hierarchical system in the world, in which other countries should respect the middle state i.e. China. Kissinger believed that the world would have to create a new and stable system, which would be in accordance with today’s reality and which would be accepted by all countries.
Experts’ opinion on new world order
Chief Editor Atideb Sarkar also presented the opinion of experts regarding the current situation. Echoing the opinion of expert Monica Duffy Toft, he said, “If the situation becomes like after the Second World War, then the world can be divided into spheres of influence. That is, some big countries will influence different areas, even if they do not rule directly. America, Russia and China can divide the world into their respective spheres of influence. John Mearsheimer believes that the rise of China will not be peaceful. He says that America will never accept China’s dominance in Asia. In such a situation, competition and Clash is certain.
He further said, “Yan Shwetong has predicted that America and China will become the two biggest powers in the world because China is progressing rapidly in the fields of economy, military and culture. Michael Beckley argues that the world system is currently at a standstill. The pace of population, production and area expansion has been limited, so no country is growing fast enough to completely change the global balance. America is still ahead in terms of productivity.”
India’s responsibility in an uncertain environment
Atideb Sarkar said that in such uncertain times, there is a big challenge before the policy makers of India. An important partner like America seems entangled in internal matters. Neighboring countries are unstable. Relations with China appear to be softening, but there is not complete trust. Trade agreements with the US and EU will demand domestic reforms.
He said that India will have to focus strongly on its national interest. The Prime Minister has set the target that India should become a developed nation by 2047. It is not easy. The world economy is slow. After the pandemic, people are saving less. Except Adani and Reliance, other Indian companies are not investing much. Employment is still a challenge for the youth and there is also a lack of skills. In these circumstances, not prestige but development is the real national interest.
What should India do?
He said that India will have to make solid economic progress in the coming two decades and at the same time protect its sovereignty. Wars are not in India’s interest. We should increase trade with countries that buy our goods and services. Investors who are ready to provide employment here should be welcomed. However, it would not be right to ignore national security in an unstable region, therefore investments by strategic rival countries in sensitive areas should be examined. In other areas the government should ask how can we help you establish here? The trade agreement with the EU is an opportunity to bring capital and technology, which will increase employment. Before deciding on an agreement with America, one should wait for the situation there to become clear.
He further said that India should deal with its neighboring countries in a fair, strong and peaceful manner. There should be balance even with big powers, one should not threaten anyone. As Chinese leaders once told their diplomats to remain calm and complete the work.
Is it necessary for India to become a superpower?
In the end, Atideb Sarkar said that when the world system is changing, India will have to make solid economic progress while protecting its sovereignty. The question is, is it necessary for India to become a superpower or should development be its real goal?
