In a remarkable turn of events, India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, trailing only the United States and China. This meteoric rise marks a historic achievement for a nation that was once subjugated and impoverished under colonial rule. The rapid economic ascent is now drawing the attention—and perhaps the unease—of global powers in Washington and Beijing.
India has rapidly risen from being the 12th largest economy in 2010 to the 5th largest economy in 2024. We will become the third-largest economy, overtaking Germany and Japan before the end of this decade.
— Nilesh Shah (@NileshShah68) November 7, 2024
This accelerated growth has been achieved by many means, including… pic.twitter.com/C8gJZVPbE6
India’s economy is growing at a pace that leaves even the most seasoned observers astounded. It is accelerating nearly twice as fast as China’s and at three times the rate of the U.S., solidifying its position as a pivotal player on the global stage. For a former European colony to rise so rapidly to the status of an economic powerhouse is unprecedented, challenging long-standing assumptions about global economic hierarchies.
This development is not without its implications for the current superpowers. Both the U.S. and China find themselves increasingly distracted by India’s ascent. For Washington, India’s growth could represent a much-needed counterbalance to China’s influence in Asia. For Beijing, however, the rapid rise of its neighbor is a stark reminder of the competitive pressures it faces in maintaining its own economic dominance.
For Western historians, particularly figures like Niall Ferguson, India’s rise is a subject of deep contemplation. The historical narrative of global power dynamics is being rewritten in real time, with India emerging as a central figure. Its success defies the grim historical trajectory often associated with post-colonial nations, presenting a story of resilience and ambition that is reshaping the global economic order.
As 2027 approaches, the world watches closely. India’s ascent as the third-largest economy is not just a numerical milestone—it is a testament to its potential to redefine economic and geopolitical equations in the 21st century.
