Jun 19, 2026, 12:00 PM ETConference Presentation, Panel, Fireside Chat

India Ahead: Growth, Investment, and Global Ambition | Global Conference 2026

India is currently the world's fourth or sixth largest economy (swapping with Japan), boasting a GDP of over $4 trillion and a 7% growth forecast for the current year.
The IMF projects India to become the third-largest global economy by 2031 and potentially the largest by 2060.
The economy is primarily domestic, with exports comprising only 21% of GDP, providing resilience against global trade disruptions.
Government targets aim to increase manufacturing's share of GDP from 15% to 25% via the $23 billion Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Fiscal discipline has improved significantly, with the deficit at 1% of GDP and inflation contained at 3.5%.
Approximately $140 billion has been invested in infrastructure to lower logistics costs and accelerate growth.
300 to 400 million people have been lifted out of poverty between 2012 and 2024.
The debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 70%, significantly lower than the 156% average of developed nations, allowing room for increased consumer borrowing.
India has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the UK, EU, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, and the US, with tariffs recently reduced.
Foreign exchange rates have seen a 10% decline in the last year, presenting a risk for investors but potentially improving export competitiveness.

Financial services are projected to grow 17-18% annually, driven by a $4 trillion nominal economy base.
Approximately 580 million new bank accounts were opened in recent years, expanding financial inclusion.
The Aadhaar identity system, covering over 1 billion people, underpins digital financial inclusion and low-cost transactions.
Digital payment systems enable instant, zero-cost transfers of as little as 10 cents.
The Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) sector in tier 2, 3, and 4 cities is growing at 25% annually with high credit quality.
New bankruptcy codes have been enacted to ensure severe consequences for defaults and facilitate fund recovery.
Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India are transitioning from outsourcing hubs to innovation centers leveraging AI.
The government has removed GST on insurance and exempted households earning 25 lakh annually from income tax, boosting consumption power.
Credit scoring systems and the "Lilliput economy" (111 million credit cards and 20 billion transactions) have democratized access to credit.

India has regained a Triple-B+ sovereign rating from S&P, the first in an 18-year hiatus.
Foreign lawyers are now permitted to practice in India, excluding court appearances and dispute litigation.
The government has clarified it will not revisit past tax cases (e.g., Vodafone, Cairn, Tiger Global), ensuring policy certainty.
The Arbitration Act has been amended to enforce timely dispute resolution with limited grounds for challenging awards.
Indian courts are increasingly non-interventionist regarding arbitration awards, evidenced by the enforcement of the Amazon-Future and Docomo-Tata cases.
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is considering shifting its arbitration seat to Mumbai to improve localization.
Despite the perception of delays, the legal system is becoming more robust, with enforcement of commercial contracts significantly improved compared to the past.

Apollo Hospitals, the largest private hospital group, exemplifies "innovation at scale," offering cardiac surgery for $8,000 compared to $100,000 in the US.
68% of India's healthcare consumption occurs in the private sector, driven by the government's Ayushman Bharat scheme.
The Ayushman Bharat health insurance program has enrolled 750 million people, providing access to both public and private facilities.
The average age in India is 28, but the population is aging, with 20% of Indians projected to be over 60 by 2030.
Literacy rates have surged from 17% at independence (1947) to over 95% for the general population, with female literacy reaching 77%.
Life expectancy has increased from 34 years in 1947 to 76 years today, with infant mortality decreasing by a factor of four and maternal health improving tenfold.
Women's workforce participation remains low at 43%, representing a potential GDP increase of 27-30% if addressed.
Family businesses are being encouraged to invest in new sectors like semiconductors and defense while maintaining a shared purpose and values system.

India has purchased 31 MQ-9B high-altitude long-endurance drones from the US, representing a $25 billion defense trade volume.
Defense collaborations now focus on co-production and co-development, moving beyond mere procurement.
India's space program demonstrates "frugal innovation," launching Chandrayaan missions for less than the cost of a Hollywood production.
Women have held leadership roles in India's space program, including the Chandrayaan mission.
The technology triad driving India's future includes Energy (renewables/nuclear), AI, and Autonomy/Defense.
India is the third-largest renewable power source globally and has opened its nuclear policy to private sector participation, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Two of the world's largest solar farms are being constructed in Gujarat, one larger than the city of Paris.
India is investing heavily in AI, with over 1,800 GCCs utilizing the technology for innovation rather than just back-office functions.
The number of STEM undergraduates in India is second only to China globally.

The primary long-term risk is the ability to provide employment and upskill the young workforce for an AI-driven future.
Energy security remains a critical vulnerability due to India's heavy reliance on oil imports, which contributes to currency devaluation.
Climate shocks pose a significant risk, necessitating greater investment in resilience and renewable infrastructure.
India faces a "brain drain" where engineering and medical talent often emigrate for training; retaining them requires better academic environments and tax incentives.
Family businesses must balance protecting legacy assets with allowing the next generation to diversify into high-growth sectors like defense and semiconductors.
Foreign universities are now allowed to operate in India, with over a dozen UK institutions already established following recent delegation visits.
Global investors are advised to look beyond current P/E multiples, as returns are expected to exceed expectations despite currency fluctuations.
India's democracy has remained stable and robust since 1947, serving as a key differentiator in a region of political instability.
India possesses significant untapped tourism potential, with service levels capable of supporting a hundred-fold increase in visitor numbers.