The book considers India's search for an international role since gaining independence in 1947.The authors examine India's relationship with the world's superpowers and its search for superpower status since independence in 1947. Central to their argument is India's belief that the acquisition of an independent nuclear capability is a key factor in acquiring such status. The introductory chapters explore the early years of India's independence, and the book concludes with a penetrating analysis of the post-Cold War period and recent developments in the region. The book makes an important contribution to the understanding of the region for students, policymakers and journalists.The authors examine India's relationship with the world's superpowers and its search for superpower status since independence in 1947. Central to their argument is India's belief that the acquisition of an independent nuclear capability is a key factor in acquiring such status. The introductory chapters explore the early years of India's independence, and the book concludes with a penetrating analysis of the post-Cold War period and recent developments in the region. The book makes an important contribution to the understanding of the region for students, policymakers and journalists.Two highly regarded scholars come together to examine India's relationship with the world's major powers and its own search for a significant role in the international system. Central to the argument is Indiaas belief that the acquisition of an independent nuclear capability is key to obtaining such status. The book details the major constraints at the international, domestic and perceptual levels that India has faced in this endeavor. It concludes, through a detailed comparison of India's power capabilities, that India is indeed a rising power, but that significant systemic and domestic changes will be necessary before it can achieve its goal. The book examines the prospects and implications of India's integratiolCo