One year is, perhaps, too short a period by which to judge the performance of a new government, particularly in a country as vast as India. Yet the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, which marked its first anniversary on Tuesday, came into power with such big promises that it is time for a health check.
One of the highlights of this government has been the presence of an active prime minister, helping dispel the sense under his predecessor, Manmohan Singh, that nobody was at the helm. Whether sending relief to earthquake-hit Nepal, rescuing Indians from strife-torn Yemen, launching reforms such as the “Make in India” and “Clean India Mission” campaigns or communicating with the public through social media, Mr Modi has led from the front. Importantly, his government has provided evidence that corruption has declined.
The prime minister has prioritised foreign policy. He has travelled extensively to bolster ties with traditional partners such as Japan and Australia, while moving decisively to improve relations with smaller neighbours like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. But his most ambitious engagement has been with China. Deviating from years of an ineffectual “Look East” policy that focused on counterbalancing China’s rise by pursuing ties in Southeast Asia, Mr Modi engaged directly with the world’s most populous country by paying a visit this month.
However, his efforts have so far failed to translate into the “big bang” reforms to trade and industry that he promised. One impediment has been a messy taxation regime that is holding investors back. Plans for a goods and services tax – meant to dismantle the tax barriers between states and unify the country into a single market – have become embroiled in political differences. Another subject of discontent has been instituting a fairer land-acquisition law to enable the growth of infrastructure and industry.
The challenges are many but after decades of political inertia, India should be aware that change takes time – and patience.
