We live in an age of rising powers. The global order is being recast. In this shifting geopolitical landscape old powers are reluctant to cede ground and rising states shun the burdens imposed by their new-found status.

These days almost every conversation among western policymakers includes nervous acknowledgement of the flow of power eastwards. I cannot recall an international conference where prominent mention has not been made of China’s rise. In the next breath comes reference to India’s place at the front of the world stage.