A book penned by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Media Advisor Sanjaya Baru, focusing on the new turn in India's economic policy and the response to 'tectonic shifts' in the global balance of power in the post-cold war era, was released by Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy in New Delhi on Saturday.
Soon after releasing the 480-page book, titled Strategic Consequences of India's Economic Performance, Reddy said: "It is a rare book with rare material on a rare subject."
Lauding the book, which is a compilation of academic essays and newspaper columns authored by Baru, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia said the emphasis on regional trading pacts was very relevant for India in today's changing international environment.
Former Foreign Secretary and Convener of the National Security Advisory Board M K Rasgotra shared the view that 'diplomacy and foreign policy without economic inputs have no meaning.'
Baru, who has held top editorial positions in several dailies, said trade creates greater security through interdependence and prosperity is a necessary condition for power.
In his book, Baru touches upon the success of Indian enterprise in the post-WTO world, the emergence of confident professional middle class, a demonstrated nuclear capability and the resilience of an open society and an open economy in the face of multiple and complex challenges.
In a lighter vein, he said: "There is neither a mole nor a moll in the book."
Union Ministers Anand Sharma and Aswini Kumar, National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, Dr Singh's Principal Secretary T K A Nayar and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit were among those present.
Also present at the function were Pakistan High Commissioner Aziz Ahmad Khan, senior officials, diplomats and former ambassadors of India.
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