Lessons 19 · 1 lessons · Sh. Ergashev, B. Xodjayev, J. Abdullayev. World History (1991–2017): textbook for Grade 11 of secondary schools and for students of secondary specialised and vocational institutions. 1st edition. “Turon-Iqbol”, Tashkent, 2018
19
The Republic of India, 1991–2017
Textbook: pp. 85–89
GoalExplain India’s economic reforms, politics and place in the world after 1991.
New words
the 1991 economic reforms that opened India’s economy · 1991-yilgi islohotlarthe Kargil conflict of 1999 with Pakistan · «Kargil urushi»information technology services, a major Indian export sector · axborot texnologiyalari xizmatlariChandrayaan-3, the Indian lunar mission that landed near the Moon’s south pole in 2023 · Chandrayaan-3
Explanation
In 1991 a balance-of-payments crisis pushed India into economic reforms: the licensing system was eased, tariffs were cut and foreign investment was admitted. Information technology, pharmaceuticals and services then grew fast. India carried out nuclear tests in 1998 and Pakistan tested in the same year; in 1999 there was a short armed clash at Kargil, and in 2008 the terrorist attacks in Mumbai killed more than 160 people. Narendra Modi has been prime minister since 2014; his party won elections in 2019 and 2024, and in 2024 a coalition government was formed. In 2019 Article 370, which gave Jammu and Kashmir special status, was revoked; India calls this a reform, while Pakistan and other critics object. In 2023 India became the world’s most populous country, and that year Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon. After a terrorist attack on tourists at Pahalgam in April 2025 (India linked it to groups in Pakistan; Pakistan denied involvement), the two countries exchanged military strikes in May and agreed a ceasefire on 10 May; the two sides describe the events differently.
Worked examples
After the reforms: in 1991 India’s economy was largely closed; in the following decades annual growth was often around 6–8 per cent and the middle class expanded.
Kashmir: since 1947 India and Pakistan have made claims to the region; India regards the whole former princely state as its territory on the basis of the 1947 Instrument of Accession, while Pakistan says its status should be decided by the people in line with UN Security Council resolutions; China administers some parts.
Class activity
Draw a chronological chain of 6 economic and political events in India in 1991–2023 and give each a one-sentence note.
Practice
1
What did the 1991 reforms change?
The economy opened: tariffs and licences were reduced.
2
In which year did India and Pakistan hold nuclear tests?
In 1998.
3
In what respect did India become first in the world in 2023?
In population.
4
Why do the sides not agree on Article 370? Write the two positions.
India calls it a reform and integration; Pakistan and critics say it violates Kashmir’s status.
