Impact of Economic Globalization on Urbanization: A Comparative Analysis of Indian and Select Global Experiences∗

Th is article analyzes the impact of economic globalization on urbanization since July 1991, with special reference to comparisons of Indian and select global experiences. India’s degree of globalization, measured by internationalization of trade and capital, is shown to be low at global levels. Patterns of urbanization in the post-globalization period show higher growth and concentration of population in bigger class-size cities. Urban economic growth is increasingly contributed by service sectors, declining share of manufacturing sector and higher labour productivity. Th ese experiences of India coincide with experiences in countries such as China, G7 and Korea. Overall growth implications of these comparative analyses imply a need for continuing with economic globalization and for a national approach for development of large cities in India. ∗Th is article is the revised and abridged version of the CIRJE Discussion Paper no. F-543. Grateful thanks are due to the Editor and anonymous referee of this Journal for constructive comments, the University of Tokyo for fi nancial assistance under the Visiting Professorship Programme (2007–08) at the Centre for International Research on the Japanese Economy, Professors Yoshitsugu Kanemoto and Takatoshi Tabuchi and other participants of Urban Economics Workshop (Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo) for helpful suggestions and to Mr Ramesh Kolli (Central Statistical Organization, New Delhi) for data sharing and discussions. However, the usual disclaimers apply