India@79: From independence to influence

As we reflect with pride on our progress of 79 years, including reduced poverty levels and strides in multiple fields, we must also look outwards

- ASHOK GULATI RITIKA JUNEJA

AS INDIA HOISTED the tricolour on its 79th Independence Day, it stood proudly as a confident, resilient, and rising nation. It is not just the world's largest democracy, but a country that has crafted its destiny quite successfully since it attained independence in 1947. Notwithstanding the current headwinds of Donald Trump's tariff war, it has weathered many storms in the past. One may recall the sanctions by US in 1998 after the Pokharan nuclear test during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, or the US' role in sending its seventh fleet in 1971, when India's war with Pakistan led to the creation of Bangladesh. Every time, India emerged stronger. Today, no one can stop India's rise.

Through the past decade, India's GDP has more than doubled. It is projected to touch $4.19 trillion in 2025, making it the fourth-largest economy, only behind the US ($30.5 trillion), China ($19.2 trillion), and Germany ($4.74 trillion) (according to International Monetary Fund's estimates). Measured in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, India is already the world's third-largest economy at $17.65 trillion, trailing only China ($40.72 trillion) and the US ($30.51 trillion) in 2025. All this is a reflection of rising aspirations and a strong resolve to regain India's civilizational legacy.