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More ‘mind space’ for India in America’s imagination
India’s Low Presence in U.S. Thought
India, despite being a major global power, has limited space in American elite institutions.
The issue is not just policy, but also outdated perceptions and lack of strong narratives.
Schwarzman Scholars vs India
Schwarzman Scholars: Prestigious programme at China’s Tsinghua University to train future leaders.
No similar programme exists for India, showing long-term imbalance in intellectual focus.
Historical Bias
American views of China: revolutionary, powerful, promising.
Views of India: spiritual, chaotic, less important.
These ideas were shaped during colonial and Cold War times and still influence thinking today.
China’s Strategic Image Building
China actively promoted its image through Confucius Institutes, exchanges, and strong storytelling.
The West wanted China to succeed and invested emotionally and intellectually in it.
India’s Missed Opportunity
India focused on self-reliance, not global image-building.
Its strengths like democracy and diaspora were not marketed effectively.
Soft power efforts were limited and uncoordinated.
Weak India Focus in U.S. Academia
China Studies are well-funded and respected in U.S. universities.
India Studies are scattered, outdated, and often ignored in key policy and tech areas.
Consequences of Being Overlooked
U.S. leaders lack deep understanding of modern India.
Old views (like India-Pakistan hyphenation) still dominate.
India is rising, but still underrepresented in American intellectual circles.
What India Needs to Do
Build a global academic programme like Schwarzman.
Use institutions like IITs, IIMs, Ashoka, or Krea with better vision, global branding, and support.
Needs investment from government and private sector.
Importance of Narrative
India must tell its own story confidently.
Influence today comes from perception, not just military or economy.
Simply promoting yoga and food is not enough.
Final Message
To be understood and respected, India must be present where global ideas are shaped.
A world-class fellowship programme could help change how India is seen.
India should no longer be studied from afar — it must be known on its own terms.
By: Shivam Saxena
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