Comparative Development Experiences of India and Its Neighbours
Summary
- The chapter compares the economic and human development indicators of India, China, and Pakistan.
- It assesses the strategies adopted by these countries for development.
- India and Pakistan gained independence in 1947, while China was established in 1949.
- The chapter highlights the importance of understanding neighboring countries' development strategies in a globalized world.
Key Points
-
Economic Growth:
- China has the largest GDP (PPP) of 15 trillion and Pakistan at $1.5 trillion.
- Growth rates from 1980-2017 show China leading with double-digit growth in the 1980s, while India and Pakistan had lower growth rates.
-
Human Development Indicators (2017-2019):
- HDI Values: India (0.644), China (0.788), Pakistan (0.540)
- Life Expectancy: India (67.7 years), China (78.6 years), Pakistan (66.4 years)
- Mean Years of Schooling: India (6.6), China (8.1), Pakistan (4.4)
- Poverty Rates: India (21.9%), China (0.0%), Pakistan (21.9%)
- Infant Mortality Rate: India (26.8), China (5.1), Pakistan (52.5)
-
Development Strategies:
- Reforms were initiated in China (1978), Pakistan (1988), and India (1991).
- China’s growth is driven by manufacturing, while India’s growth is primarily in the service sector.
- Pakistan has shown recent recovery in economic growth despite historical challenges.
-
Commonalities and Differences:
- All three countries have similar physical endowments but different political systems and developmental outcomes.
- The chapter emphasizes the need to consider both human development and liberty indicators in assessments.