How did Indira Gandhi's leadership influence India's development?

Indira Gandhi's leadership significantly influenced India's development through economic reforms, nuclear advancement, and social empowerment.

Indira Gandhi, serving as the Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984, played a pivotal role in shaping the country's development. Her leadership was marked by a strong commitment to economic reforms and social justice, which had a profound impact on India's growth and development.

One of the most significant aspects of Gandhi's leadership was her focus on economic reforms. She nationalised 14 major commercial banks in 1969, which was a significant step towards the redistribution of wealth and resources in the country. This move not only increased the government's control over the economy but also expanded banking services to rural areas, thereby promoting financial inclusion. Furthermore, she introduced a series of agricultural reforms, including the Green Revolution, which significantly increased agricultural productivity and made India self-sufficient in food grains.

Gandhi's leadership also saw India becoming a nuclear power. In 1974, under her administration, India conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed 'Smiling Buddha'. This marked a significant shift in India's defence policy and established the country as a significant player in the global nuclear arena. This move also had a profound impact on India's strategic position in South Asia and its relations with other major powers.

In addition to economic and defence policies, Gandhi also made significant strides in social empowerment. She introduced several progressive measures aimed at uplifting the marginalised sections of society. Her government abolished the Privy Purse, which was a payment made to the royal families, and used these funds for public welfare. She also launched the 20-point programme, which aimed at poverty alleviation, land reform, and improving the status of women.

Gandhi's leadership, however, was not without controversy. Her decision to impose a state of emergency in 1975 was widely criticised for curtailing civil liberties and suppressing political dissent. Despite these controversies, there is no denying that her leadership had a profound impact on India's development trajectory. Her economic, defence, and social policies have left an indelible mark on the country's growth and continue to influence its policy-making even today.