Well one of these days it was bound to happen.
A country with 1+ billion or so cannot be in treated this way.
May be Indian masses (I may not know) are now much better off than 60s, and thus demanding a stronger stance in the world.
Its not a question of 1.2 billion people. Its about having faith that your country can do anything and being proud of it.
For generations till the late 80's, Indians looked to other people as superior. Being colonized repeatedly, you lose confidence. Even after colonization, you are in a hell hole of poverty and West is heaven. Thus 'The white man knows best' syndrome was prevalent
heavily.
Indians
always said they were proud of India even before 90's, but no one could say
why they are proud of India. There were no substantial reasons except that they were born India. All Indians could do was point at ancient ages as consolation.
Today, folks have more faith on themselves. Our economic growth - when India was growing faster than the
other countries - coupled with Indians becoming global leaders - from Pepsi to Citibank etc has made folks feel we are as good if not better than any in the globe.
Indians when they leave Delhi and reach New York are no longer as awed as they used to be. This is getting reflected across every sphere of Indian lives. Are no longer as less educated as they used to be.
I don't think anyone should fear from the resurgent India that stands up for fairness and equality among nations.
This is not a question of equality for all. We just want equality for India and Indians. We are and will be like any power in the world - looking for our own people's interests, not humanity in general.
By the way what do you mean when you said
"when we hung out the Italian marine, when British threatened to cut their aid to now America".
Thanks.
Read up on the Italian case and how Italian Govt had to run rings around Indian judicial system. That was when we cleared to those folks that Indian judicial system is more important than Italian concerns.
How French offered aid to Indian Govt after tsunami hit India and India
rejected the aid and said we can take care of our own. French govt was angry, there were editorials upon articles on how India is growing 'arrogant' in French papers.
How Indian Navy Ships were among the first to reach foreign countries to help out their people.
How when Rafale was chosen, UK papers asked Govt to cut off aid to India, and Indian officials said that we have already asked Britain to stop aid to India.
Look at how they start on poverty **** every time India launches a Space mission.
To now US - who took India
for granted. They wont be doing that again.
All this has happened in 1 decade.