2. India: Events after 1960

Following the period of national emergency (1975–1977), several opposition parties came together to form the Janata Party, which successfully defeated the Congress party in the general elections. Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister of this newly formed government. However, the government was essentially a coalition of different political groups. Under his leadership, the Janata Party government could not last long due to severe internal differences and conflicts among the coalition members, leading to its early collapse. [cite: 2]

During the 1980s, the Indian political system faced a major challenge when the Sikhs in Punjab demanded an independent state called Khalistan. This separatist movement eventually grew violent and destructive, allegedly receiving support from Pakistan. In 1984, the terrorists associated with this movement took shelter inside the Golden Temple at Amritsar, a highly revered and holy shrine for the Sikhs. To evict these armed terrorists and restore order, the Indian government had no choice but to send the army into the Golden Temple complex. [cite: 2]

In the initial period after gaining independence, India was faced with numerous challenges regarding economic, political, and social development. The country needed to achieve economic self-sufficiency, modernize its economy through industrialization, and eliminate poverty. Furthermore, the goal was to establish an economy fundamentally based on social justice. To achieve these massive objectives in a structured and coordinated manner through the policy of Five Year Plans, the National Planning Commission was established. [cite: 2]

The year 1991 is considered a landmark year due to monumental shifts on both global and national scales. On the world stage, the Soviet Union (Russia) disintegrated into several smaller, independent countries. This massive geopolitical event effectively brought the long-standing Cold War to an end, fundamentally altering global political dynamics. [cite: 2]

In India, 1991 marked a major turning point primarily due to sweeping economic changes. The Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, initiated comprehensive economic reforms, commonly known as economic liberalisation. These policies opened up the Indian economy, encouraged foreign investment, and allowed skilled Indian professionals to thrive, particularly in the emerging information technology sector. Additionally, 1991 was a tragic year politically, as former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by the terrorist organization LTTE during an election campaign. [cite: 2]

Right from the time of independence, the Indian economy has been shaped by three core characteristics: the modernisation of the economy, the pursuit of economic self-sufficiency, and the foundational principle of social justice. Initially, India aimed to acquire modernity and self-reliance by heavily emphasizing the establishment of industries. The government relied on a planned approach to ensure development was equitable, leading to the creation of the National Planning Commission and the implementation of Five Year Plans. Later, starting in 1991, the economy adapted to global changes through policies of economic liberalisation, which further diversified and strengthened the economy by integrating it with global markets while still striving for internal social development. [cite: 2]