Source: The post India advances through resilience, science, and inclusive sustainable growth has been created, based on the article “The next leap forward” published in “Indian Express” on 18th August 2025. India advances through resilience, science, and inclusive sustainable growth.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1- growth, development and employment.
Context: India’s 79th Independence Day sparked a look back and ahead. The nation stands confident and resilient. It faced outside pressure in 1971 and in 1998. It now faces tariff headwinds. It grew stronger each time. Today’s focus is inclusive, science-led growth, with pride in gains and awareness of pending tasks.
A Nation’s Upward Arc
- Hard-won confidence: India sees itself as a rising power that has shaped its destiny since 1947 and emerged stronger after crises. It declares its time has come; no one can halt its rise.
2. Policy continuity in science: Shastri’s “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” extended to “Jai Vigyan” and “Jai Anusandhan,” anchors progress in technology and research. Vajpayee’s line—IT for India, BT for Bharat—captures the twin engines.
3. Twin moments: celebration and stock-taking: Independence Day marks pride in gains and clarity about unfinished tasks.
Economic Scale and Global Standing
- GDP momentum: In the last decade, GDP more than doubled and is projected at $4.19 trillion in 2025, placing India fourth after the US ($30.5T), China ($19.2T), and Germany ($4.74T).
PPP rank. In PPP, India is third at $17.65T, behind China ($40.72T) and the US ($30.51T) in 2025.
2. Civilisational aspiration: Rising scale reflects a resolve to reclaim India’s legacy as a major economy.
Human Development and Technological Strides
- From deprivation to capability: 1947–1951 baselines were stark: GDP ~$30B, 330M people, ~80% poverty, life expectancy 32 years, literacy 18.3%. By 2023–2025, poverty at the $3/day (2021 PPP) line fell to 5.3%, literacy rose to 77%, and life expectancy to 72 years.
2. Frontiers in space: Chandrayaan’s south-polar landing and Mangalyaan signalled leadership in exploration.
3. Digital rails: UPI processes over 10 billion monthly transactions and inspires global fintech.
4. Global talent footprint: Indian-origin leaders helm major firms, showcasing intellectual and entrepreneurial reach.
Agriculture: Transformation and Next Leap
- Output and trade strength: Foodgrains rose from ~50 MMT to 353.9 MMT (2024–25). India is the top rice exporter at 20.2 MMT (FY25); public grain stocks exceed 90 MMT, above buffers.
2. Broad agro-growth: Since Independence, horticulture output rose 15×, milk 11×, and eggs 77×. FY15–FY25 real GDP grew 6.5% annually; agri-GDP 4%, outpacing sub-1% population growth. India is a net agricultural exporter.
3. Nutrition and sanitation: Child under-five nutrition gaps persist. Women’s education, maternal health, and sanitation remain vital; ODF status is credited for aiding nutrition.
4. Subsidy reform: Food and fertiliser subsidies total Rs 3.71 lakh crore in 2025–26 (Rs 2.03 lakh crore; Rs 1.67 lakh crore). Studies indicate 20–25% leakage. Rebalancing toward agri-R&D and efficient value chains is urged.
Comparative Lens and the Road to 2047
- South Asian comparison: India’s per-capita income surpasses Pakistan and Bangladesh in nominal and PPP terms.
- China gap: In 2025, China’s per-capita income is $13,690 (PPP $28,980) versus India’s $2,880 (PPP $12,130).
3. Democracy and sustainability: Democracy guides choices; environmental stewardship of soil, water, and air is essential for Viksit Bharat.
4. Policy priorities: Achieving the 2047 vision needs faster, inclusive growth, fewer bureaucratic hurdles, and a scientific culture backed by investments. The world watches; India offers lessons to Asia and Africa and competes in high-tech sectors.
Question for practice:
Evaluate how rationalising food and fertiliser subsidies can advance India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.
