Brown is now hoping that he can give a new sense of direction to his leadership by making a foray to the east. By visiting the emerging centres of global political and economic power, he wants to project an image of a global leader who comprehends emerging global trends. He views himself as a foremost advocate of the positive externalities generated by the forces of globalisation and believes in further integrating China and India in the global political and economic order. Much like his predecessor, he will express his support for civilian nuclear cooperation with India after the NSG has blessed the US-India nuclear pact and for India’s entry into the UN Security Council as a permanent member. In all likelihood, India’s support for the Burmese junta and its role in the global climate change negotiations will also figure on Brown’s agenda.

But it will be economics that will dominate his visit. While India will definitely find an admirer in Brown and an interlocutor who can effectively leverage his nation’s global role in making India’s case to the international community, it is not clear if Brown’s latest foreign policy venture will shift British public’s attention from his domestic woes.

The writer teaches at King’s College London

harsh.pant@kcl.ac.uk