Goldman Sachs Research has projected that India’s economy is on track to surpass the United States and become the second-largest in the world, trailing only China within a few decades. According to the investment bank’s analysis, India is expected to claim the third position by 2075, with a gross domestic product (GDP) estimated to reach $52.5 trillion, exceeding the projected GDP of the United States by $1 trillion. China, on the other hand, is forecasted to become the world’s largest economy in the 2030s, with a GDP of $57 trillion by 2075.
Demographics and capital investment fuel India’s growth potential
Goldman Sachs Research highlights India’s population as a key factor contributing to its growth potential. With a population of 1.4 billion, the nation now holds the distinction of being the world’s largest. The favorable ratio of working-age individuals to dependents, such as children and the elderly, positions India for growth. Santanu Sengupta, Goldman Sachs Research’s India economist, emphasizes the significance of this advantage, stating that India has “one of the lowest dependency ratios among regional economies.” Sengupta underscores the importance of leveraging this demographic advantage to establish manufacturing capacity, promote service sector growth, and develop infrastructure.
The report also identifies capital investment as a crucial driver of India’s future growth. As dependency ratios decline, incomes rise, and the financial sector deepens, India’s savings rate is expected to increase. This expanded pool of capital will be instrumental in driving further investment and fostering economic expansion.
However, Goldman Sachs researchers caution that India must address certain risks to achieve its growth forecast. One such challenge is the need to increase labor force participation, particularly among women. Over the past 15 years, India’s labor force participation rate has declined, and female participation remains significantly lower than male participation. To fully unlock its potential, India must focus on boosting labor force participation, which will require creating more job opportunities, improving formal employment measures, and addressing gender disparities.
India’s path to future economic rankings
Presently, India holds the fifth position in the global economy, with a GDP of $3.73 trillion, according to the International Monetary Fund. This places India behind Germany ($4.3 trillion), Japan ($4.4 trillion), China ($19.37 trillion), and the United States ($26.85 trillion). However, Goldman Sachs’ latest report forecasts India’s ascent, surpassing Japan, Germany, and the United States, to become the world’s second-largest economy by 2075.
Industry experts, including S&P Global and Morgan Stanley, have also predicted that India is on track to become the third-largest economy by 2030. Innovation, technology advancements, higher capital investment, and rising worker productivity are expected to drive India’s economic growth in the coming years.
As India charts its path to economic prominence, the nation faces the critical task of capitalizing on its demographic dividend and increasing labor force participation. By leveraging these opportunities and addressing potential obstacles, India can position itself as a global economic powerhouse in the decades to come.
