Opinion | India: From Developing to Developed Nation

India, a country of ancient civilization and cultural heritage, has undergone a metamorphosis over more than seven decades since its independence in 1947. From being a predominantly agrarian economy struggling with poverty and illiteracy, India has emerged as a global power in various domains. Now, as we are entering the third decade of the 21st century, India is on the verge of shifting from a developing to a developed country. However, the road ahead requires strategic planning, combined effort, and structural changes.

India is currently the fifth-largest economy in the world in terms of nominal GDP and is likely to become the third-largest by 2030, surpassing Japan and Germany. Despite global economic unpredictability, India achieved a strong GDP growth rate of 7.6% in FY 2023–24, driven by robust domestic consumption, manufacturing, and digital services. Grand-scale infrastructure projects like the Bharatmala and Sagarmala schemes, Vande Bharat trains, the bullet train corridor, and the Smart Cities Mission are changing the face of urban mobility and connectivity. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan aims to synchronize infrastructure planning between ministries, improving logistics and reducing transportation costs.

Programs like PM Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana have enhanced access to housing, health, clean drinking water, and food security for millions. Empowerment programs for women such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam are important steps toward inclusive growth.The Digital India initiative has been a transformational force. With more than 850 million internet users, India is now the world’s second-largest digital economy. Solutions such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have revolutionized digital payments, with more than 12 billion transactions taking place every month. The rollout of 5G, policies promoting indigenous semiconductors, and the thriving startup ecosystem are transforming India’s technology landscape.

India’s international trade and economic partnerships have also strengthened. As of April 2025, India and the UK have agreed on 90% of a comprehensive free trade deal, aiming to reduce tariffs and enhance bilateral trade, with finalization expected later this year. India’s energy collaboration with the UAE and Sri Lanka has taken a significant step forward, with a joint agreement to develop an energy hub in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, marking progress in regional energy cooperation and strategic partnerships.

In 2025, India is advancing its military reforms by establishing Integrated Theatre Commands to enhance joint operations among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This initiative aims to improve coordination and combat readiness. In April 2025, India signed key defense and energy agreements with Sri Lanka, including the development of a 120-megawatt solar power plant, thereby strengthening regional security and economic ties.

India is also leading the way in renewable energy. The National Green Hydrogen Mission received a significant budget boost in 2024. The mission aims to create a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes per year by 2030, supporting sustainable energy and lowering carbon emissions. India has also seen the launch of more than 2,600 climate tech startups over the last ten years, indicating a strong commitment to blending economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Despite the remarkable progress over the past decades, India still faces several challenges on its path to becoming a developed nation. Although efforts are being made, India’s literacy rate is still 77.7%, and quality education is not evenly distributed. For India to become a developed nation, it needs to improve its higher education system, fund research and innovation, and design curricula that match the skills required in the 21st century, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and green technology. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a robust step in this direction but requires proper implementation.

The creation of employment, especially for the youth, is an urgent national priority. With over 65% of the population under the age of 35, India stands at a demographic advantage that can either be a great strength or a missed opportunity. To harness this potential, the country must focus on boosting labor-intensive industries, supporting the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and cultivating a startup-friendly ecosystem that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. Generating meaningful and sustainable jobs will not only strengthen the economy but also ensure social stability and long-term development.

India’s healthcare infrastructure must be both expanded and upgraded to meet the needs of its vast population. While schemes like Ayushman Bharat are commendable, the country still spends only around 2% of its GDP on healthcare, which is far below what is necessary. Raising this to at least 4% is crucial to improve access and quality. Strengthening rural health systems, upgrading facilities, and addressing the shortage of doctors and paramedical staff are essential steps toward building a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.

While abject poverty in India has declined over the years, income inequality remains a pressing concern. Economic growth has not reached all sections of society equally, leaving tribal communities, rural populations, and other marginalized groups with limited access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities. For India to truly become a developed nation, it must ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities across all states and communities, fostering inclusive growth and social justice.

Good governance, transparency, and efficient public service delivery are the foundation stones of any advanced and equitable society. For India to evolve into a truly developed nation, it must focus on strengthening its political and administrative systems. This includes implementing comprehensive judicial reforms to ensure speedy and fair trials, modernizing the police force for better law enforcement and public safety, and enhancing electoral transparency to uphold the integrity of democratic processes. These reforms are essential not only for delivering justice and security but also for restoring and maintaining public trust in institutions and governance.

Taking into account the progress and challenges India faces, the country stands at a crossroads in its transition from a developing to a developed nation. India has registered tremendous advances in infrastructure, technology, economic development, social welfare, and international diplomacy. However, the future requires sustained effort and farsighted planning. Becoming a developed nation requires that India concentrate on inclusive development—ensuring equal access to resources, quality education, health, and jobs. Improving governance, encouraging innovation, tackling inequality, and investing in human capital are imperative. With its young population, abundant resources, and increasing global presence, India can become a robust, self-sufficient, and equitable society. What is required now is unwavering commitment, collective action, and a long-term perspective to convert this vision into reality.

Mirza Mustajab
Curethesoul63@gmail.com