British prime minister Gordon Brown has seen the light—in Asia. His trip to India and China this week is aimed at bolstering ties with the twin engines of the world economy, especially in the light of the US slowdown. He wants Britain's Asian engagement to be raised to the same level as UK's transatlantic relationship with Washington. He also wants India and China to sign on to a post-Kyoto agreement on climate change, an issue on which Britain is trying to establish leadership. As chancellor, he talked of a "new world order" to deal with today's security and environmental challenges. His vision is certainly broader in terms of the West's responsibility—he wants to share prosperity and reform global institutions to make them more equitable. In a pre-departure interview with Seema Sirohi, Brown focused on some important issues. Excerpts:
How do you view India's role in the coming decades—as an equal partner or a bridge country linking the developing and the developed worlds?
The issue of climate change has divided the world. How should the responsibilities be shared between the industrial and developing worlds?
How should Islamic fundamentalism be handled? The Muslim world has major grievances. Do you think there should be more emphasis on resolving the political issues?
Will you push for UN Security Council reforms? If so, how do you plan to energise the process and where do you see India's place?
Some of the great flagships of British industry have been acquired by Indians. Is this symbolic of a changed world?
What's your position on the movement of skilled people across borders?
