In Indian spirituality, the Lotus represents purity and beauty in the midst of the mud of the world. India’s Narendra Modi attempts to embody this symbolism with his dapper dress sense and no-nonsense anti-corruption posturing.
Though Indian and international media has often focused on the leader’s domestic political career, Modi projects his Prime Ministership as one that transcends the national, inspiring gestures such as World Yoga Day and the free rollout of vaccines globally during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Modi has towed a fine line between warming up to the United States in a recent visit and keeping things cosy with long-time ally Russia. In greater irony, India joins hands with China at BRICS. The two countries have been embroiled in low-level border skirmishes in the recent past and vie for a seat as a global superpower.
Whilst India has overtaken China as the world’s most populous nation, the economy trails behind China. With some thinkers arguing India’s democratic ideals would serve it better in the long run, it remains to be seen whether any developments at BRICS will allow India to fulfill its government’s vision of emerging as a “Vishwa Guru” or inspirer of the world.