Indian Development Cooperation: the State of the Debate

India’s recent development cooperation activities with the South have provoked global curiosity. Two factors shape this interest. First, the strong growth of some countries like India, China and Brazil has occurred precisely while much of the West is in recession; and Western contributions to international development have consequently slowed down. Second, in this new economic climate, the rising powers are playing an increasingly important role in shaping norms, governance and institutions. In this changing landscape, India is becoming an important player. India’s increased volume of Development Cooperation (particularly to African countries), its clearer articulation of a rejection of ‘traditional’ aid principles, and its growing role as a representative of emerging economies that aim to act as a bridge between the North and South have led to it becoming a key figure in shaping the future of international development cooperation. How is this new role being perceived domestically? This question is the focus of this paper.