India is an emerging economic super regional power, but lacks the leadership.
To be a leader, India has to have a bigger heart. show magnanimity, open her arms and treat your neighbors - Pakistan, Nepal, Srilanka, Burma equally with respect.... This does not mean giving away Kashmir. This means these countries look up to you as a leader. So far she has not done that. Most feel her as arrogant.
Wake up and change your approach. Once you do this, rest will fall in place eaisly - UNSC Permanent seat, Super power status etc...
Its true that for India in order to be recognized as a leader on the global stage India must consolidate itself in its neighborhood first.
But i don't think being magnanimous will change any thing,it"ll only raise suspicions and be unproductive.As in todays world,influence/money matters more than intent.
After 1971 India was the only power in the region as we did misuse this power monopoly at times and bullied some of our neighbors ,notably one being Nepal.
However,from 2000s onwards India's regional clout was overshadowed by China's rise ,In every way China had something better to offer (also maybe cheaper)be it military,trade etc when compared to India.
The only way out for India is,like a Sri Lankan member mentioned ,
to inspire confidence in its neighbors which can be done by achieving self-sufficiency ,India is still heavily dependent,for example there is a huge asymmetry when it comes to our exports.
Today,India has the support of many African and Asian nations for global leadership since they are confident India will bring their issues to international stage all thanks to India's stand at NAM.But are in doubt about India's
capablity of being a strong leader.