India must speed up economic growth to gain global influence, says Rajiv Kumar
Economist Rajiv Kumar has called for India to accelerate its economic growth and reduce reliance on any single nation. He stressed that a stronger economy would boost the country's influence in global politics. His remarks came as he highlighted India's modest trade share over the past three decades.
Speaking on India's position in world affairs, Kumar argued that economic strength determines a nation's global standing. He noted that countries with weak economies often struggle to gain respect on the international stage. To change this, he urged India to grow faster and expand its share of global trade.
India's share of merchandise trade has risen only slightly since 1990, moving from 0.6% to around 2% by 2023. This growth pales in comparison to China's surge from under 1% to over 14% in the same period. The USA, meanwhile, has maintained a stable share of 8-12%, thanks to its long-established trade dominance. Kumar attributed India's lag to slower manufacturing growth compared to China's export-driven boom.
He pointed to China's economic rise as proof of how financial power translates into global influence. India, he said, must follow a similar path by empowering its private sector—the 'engine of economic growth'. He also recalled India's resilience after the 1998 nuclear tests, when the country withstood international sanctions.
Kumar advised patience and firmness in protecting national interests during global policy shifts. True strategic autonomy, he insisted, would only come when India reduces excessive dependence on any one country.
Kumar's comments underline the link between economic performance and foreign policy strength. With India's trade share still below 2%, he believes faster growth and greater self-reliance are essential. The goal, he said, is to ensure the country commands respect on the world stage.
