Indian Media Pessimistic About G-20 Summit

NEW DELHI, April 2, 2009 — -- India's newspapers today lead with stories about the G-20 summit in London, and several had a critical tone.

With India's general elections coming up in less than two months, the G-20 economic summit meetings are likely Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's last major overseas engagement with other world leaders.

India's economy has continued to grow faster than most around the world, although it has now slowed from 9 percent growth to about 5 percent, as exports have fallen off significantly. But unlike many G-20 nations that are experiencing stark economic times, India has not struggled as much, in part because much of its growth is tied to domestic rather than international markets.

Perhaps because of this, the country did not announce any bold plans or expectations for the summit, leading some of the country's media to question its level of participation.

The Times of India offered two front-page stories, the first an overview piece under the headline "G-20 Leaders Wrangle Amid Riot on 'Financial Fool's Day." The second story offered a more specific and critical take on India's role: "Meet Eve: India Yet to Spell Out Plan."

"With less than 24 hours to go for G-20 summit here, India refused to publicly spell out what is specifically wanted from the summit," said the article.

The most positive note in the Times piece was a short item on India's Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon regarding India's strong economy. In a backhanded compliment, the article said, "The only real sign of India assertiveness" was when Menon said India's economy "is capable of taking care of itself." India's economy has averaged about 9 percent growth during the past four years.

The Indian Express criticized India's nearly invisible role at the meeting of foreign leaders: "At the G-20 high table, India plays low key," adding that "India's position so far suggests that it will be happy with just about a nicely worded G-20 communique tomorrow."

The article's critical tone continued, suggesting India "seems to be enamored of the middle path by taking generic positions on protectionism, global regulation, fiscal stimulus and reform of international financial institutions."

The Hindustan Times led with the headline "G-20 Leaders Hope to Revive Global Economy," accompanied by a photograph of Singh and Great Britain Prime Minister Gordon Brown shaking hands outside 10 Downing Street Wednesday.

The two leaders had a "warm and friendly" meeting, according to Menon.

Singh and U.S. President Obama are expected to meet Friday.