Beyond growth, India’s task is to help shape the world

India, on the cusp of its 80th year of Independence, is not merely growing; it is increasingly shaping the world stage. The country is now an integral part of decisions made concerning trade, technology, talent, energy, supply chains, and development. This shift signifies a significant transformation in global perceptions of India.

Countries are re-evaluating their sourcing, investment, trust, and resilience-building strategies, and India's role in this evolving landscape is crucial. India maintains strong relationships with advanced economies and also enjoys credibility with the Global South, owing to its understanding of the aspirations of developing nations, given its own experiences.

India, home to over one-sixth of the world's population, contributes minimally to global trade. Bridging this gap is the key opportunity for India. The coming decades will see how efficiently India transforms its demographic scale into economic influence and domestic strength into global relevance. This transformation is encapsulated in the 'Viksit Bharat' vision, which envisions a larger, capable, confident, inclusive, and globally respected India.

Economic growth alone is not sufficient; strategic investment in infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, cities, technology, and enterprise is vital. However, capital investment must be directed appropriately, with confidence that the rules are stable and opportunities are real. Nations that attract long-term capital effectively and utilize it productively will define the next phase of global growth.

The India-EU Free Trade Agreement exemplifies this shift. This agreement reflects the deepening economic ties between two democratic partners at a time of global order reshaping. For India, it strengthens ties with a major advanced market, while for Europe, it offers a deeper partnership with a country key to Asia's growth and the search for resilient supply chains.

India's demographic dividend, a significant strength, can convert into innovation, enterprise, and broader prosperity, provided the gains from growth reach all sections of society. Prioritizing the creation of productive, formal, and better-paying jobs, alongside strengthening manufacturing, enhancing productivity, and building globally competitive businesses, is crucial. As technology and AI reshape industries, success will hinge on the quality of skills, education, and healthcare supporting the talent pool.

India's domestic journey and global role are deeply interconnected. The stronger India becomes at home, the more valuable it becomes to the world. As India enters its ninth decade of Independence, its role is not simply to participate in global growth but to help shape it.