Davos – At the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, global business leaders are increasingly bullish on India's economic prospects, projecting the nation to reach a $30 trillion GDP in the coming years. This optimism is fueled by India's strong economic growth, political stability, and a series of structural reforms implemented over the past decade.
India's presence at Davos 2026 stands out as a focal point of global discussion, where it is being described as a "sleeping giant" with unrealized economic and strategic potential. This heightened interest comes as India actively showcases its growth story and investment opportunities to the world's top CEOs, policymakers, and economists.
Several factors underpin this positive outlook. David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group, stated that India might become the biggest economy in the world within the next 20 to 30 years. He highlighted India's demographic advantage, characterized by a young and expanding population, in contrast to aging societies like China and the United States.
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at a WEF session, asserted that India's emergence as the world's third-largest economy is inevitable. He pointed to public investment, inclusive growth, manufacturing and innovation, and simplification of regulations as the four key pillars driving India's growth trajectory. Vaishnaw expressed confidence that India can sustain 6–8% real growth, with moderate inflation, translating into a nominal growth of 10–13% over the next five years.
India is also emerging as a manufacturing hub for electronics, with global companies shifting production from China to India and Vietnam. This shift is driven by economic reasons and the need for stable supply chains.
Recognizing the global focus on clean energy, India is actively pitching itself as an attractive destination for investments in renewables, energy transition, and climate commitments. India is targeting long-term capital, aiming to accelerate its clean energy initiatives. The country is pitching investments of $300–350 Billion in the clean energy sector.
To foster local entrepreneurship and retain talent within India, policymakers have been advised to embrace global private credit and equity investments. This approach would provide Indian businesses with the necessary capital to scale up and compete on a global stage.
The discussions in Davos have placed India's engagement within the context of global economic shifts, leadership expectations, and long-term growth potential. The WEF 2026 is seen as a turning point for India's global economic narrative, with the country poised to play a more prominent role in shaping the future of the world economy.
