India and Resistance to Globalisation

Resistance to globalisation in India has not come from a single political direction. Instead, it has emerged from both the left and the right of the political spectrum, each opposing different aspects of the process.

Left-wing resistance has focused on the economic dimensions of globalisation. Political parties and forums like the Indian Social Forum have voiced protests against economic liberalisation. Trade unions representing industrial workers, as well as organisations representing farmers, have organised protests against the entry of multinational corporations into the Indian economy. A specific flashpoint has been the patenting of plants like neem by American and European firms — this generated considerable opposition because it challenged traditional knowledge and local control over biological resources.

Right-wing resistance has concentrated on cultural influences. Objections have been raised against:

• The availability of foreign television channels through cable networks
• The celebration of Valentine’s Day
• The westernisation of dress tastes, particularly among girl students in schools and colleges …