Ahead of the October 24 release of their new book, A Sixth of Humanity: Independent India’s Development Odyssey, Devesh Kapur and Arvind Subramanian reflect on India’s political economy, its achievements, and persistent challenges. Kapur, Starr Foundation Professor of South Asian Studies at Johns Hopkins University, and Subramanian, former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India, offer a rare joint perspective from political science and economics.

Beyond Silos: Understanding India’s Transformations
The authors emphasize that understanding India’s development requires a lens that integrates politics and economics. Subramanian explains that independent India had to simultaneously build a state, forge a sense of nationhood, transform society, and develop markets—all under a universal suffrage system. Kapur adds that much academic work focuses narrowly on methodological rigor rather than grasping the country’s complex realities. Their book seeks to understand India “in whichever way we feel it can be better understood,” rather than chasing elite journal publications.

Rethinking the Bhagwati–Sen Debate
Challenging entrenched narratives, the authors argue that India’s “best time” should be seen through a combination of growth-oriented economic policies (Bhagwati) and social welfare progress (Sen), rather than treating the two as opposing frameworks. They acknowledge foundational achievements in the first three decades of independence, particularly in nation-building, while noting that later decades saw more mixed outcomes.

Policy, Parties, and the ‘Mai-Bap Sarkar’
The book critiques India’s entrenched “Mai-Bap Sarkar”—the perception of the state as a protector, yet one that often underdelivers. Subramanian notes that mismanaged policies are party-agnostic, reflecting societal expectations rather than the ideology of any single government. Kapur points to widespread convergence among political parties on resisting deep reforms in areas like policing and judicial capacity.

Democracy and Representation vs. Economic Outcomes
Kapur and Subramanian argue that India’s democracy has been highly effective at providing representation, especially for marginalized groups, but less so at ensuring accountability and economic outcomes. Unlike China, where elite-driven policies generated large-scale agricultural and industrial transformation, India’s electoral politics often undercut long-term development, particularly in northern states, where social movements remained weak.

Strong Leaders, New Welfarism, and Silent Debt
The authors highlight the global trend toward strong leaders, noting India is no exception. Subramanian points to Narendra Modi’s “new welfarism” as a social safety net that consolidates popular support. They also critique India’s approach to national champions, contrasting them with South Korean Chaebols, noting that regulatory-heavy, non-tradable sectors often suppress small and medium enterprises. This “silent debt” constrains innovation and growth.

Leftist Legacy and Policy Failures
While acknowledging the left’s commitment to redistribution, Kapur and Subramanian criticize its failure to strengthen state capacity or foster entrepreneurship. The book underscores a broader inability among Indian policymakers and intellectuals to reflect honestly on state failures.

Global Context and India’s Economic Journey
Finally, the authors situate India’s development within the global order. While the Cold War provided relative stability for economic growth, shifts in global geopolitics and trade now pose challenges. They caution that India cannot rely solely on internal markets and must adapt to a changing international environment.

Conclusion
Kapur and Subramanian’s book argues that India’s democratic strengths lie in representation, yet structural weaknesses in accountability, policy implementation, and state capacity continue to shape the country’s development trajectory. Understanding these patterns, they contend, is key for both learning from the past and shaping a sustainable future.