Unlock the political economy driving development policies and resource strategies across Eastern Africa and India. This incisive analysis deconstructs myths surrounding trade, revealing the complex interplay of plantations, people, and policy. Essential for understanding how development is institutionalized, it offers a comparative perspective crucial for students, researchers, and policymakers keen on India’s economic landscape and global development strategies. Gain a deeper appreciation for the forces shaping resource management and institutional frameworks in developing nations, making it a cornerstone for anyone studying growth and policy.