‘The World Is Changing…’

Abstract

This chapter shows what the PMs speak and how they speak is highly dependent on the spatial context, i.e. the audience for which the speech is intended. For the perceived internal audiences, the first three PMs naturalize the reforms by signaling them as a change made necessary by the transitions the world faces at large. These ‘global’ changes necessitate that India adapts to transformations as well. However, this is accompanied by a simultaneous assurance: India’s adaptation to that change is cautious and calculated. The sense of assurance is produced in two distinct ways: Firstly, by giving people the re-assurance that opening up of the economy will not jeopardize India’s economic sovereignty and secondly, by stating that in spite of change, India’s cultural core is fundamentally secure. For external audiences, however, India is presented as an Investment Destination, ready to embrace the world markets and celebrating change. The chapter concludes by analysing Modi’s spatializing strategies in light of continuities/discontinuities with the former PMs.