"India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition." Like many travellers both before and after him, the American author Mark TwainThe pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, a 19th Century writer known as "the father of American literature". was awed by India upon his visit in the 1890s.   

And although one country cannot claim to have a monopoly on tradition, it is certainly true that India's contributions to the world cannot be ignored.

From the Indus Valley Civilization to the British RajA period of direct rule by Britain over the Indian subcontinent from 1858 to 1947., India has a complex and fascinating history. Its culture, art, music, philosophy and religion have influenced and inspired people across the globe.

Now, one report asks: can India change the world? Some experts are optimistic that India could become the globe's third-largest economy as soon as 2027. 

India's GDPShort for Gross Domestic Product, the measure of all the goods and services produced inside a country. is expected to grow at a rate of 7.8% in 2024.¹ This growth is largely driven by the country's strong manufacturing and service sectors, and its expanding middle class.

This, claims Indian president Narendra ModiThe prime minister of India. He inspires passionate support from many in his country, but his critics regard him as populist, anti-Muslim and authoritarian., is the "best advertisement for democracy in the world" - although the country has been criticised for rising levels of authoritarianismA form of government in which individual freedoms are severely limited by government power. Examples include Nazi Germany, Khmer Rogue Cambodia and contemporary China.. Experts think that a win for Modi's party, the BJPThe Bharatiya Janata Party (Indian People's Party) is the ruling political party of India, led by Narendra Modi. It follows a right-wing Hindu nationalist ideology. , is "almost an inevitability" in the country's general election, due to be held throughout April and May.²

There are challenges, too, that risk holding India back. One is education: only 35% of Indian children reach grades 11 and 12 (equivalent to sixth form in the UK). Another is health: malnutrition is also a significant problem, with 35% of children physically stunted due to the poor quality of their diet, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Meanwhile, ten years on from a rape and murder on the streets of DelhiThe capital of India. By some estimates, Delhi is the second-largest city in the world.,³ critics say India has made minimal progress to stop sexual violence and harassment of women. And the proportion of women in the workforce is not only low, but actively declining.

China, which lost its status as the world's most populated country last year, has thrived in part because it made enormous investments in human capitalThe assets a person, organisation or group owns. . India hopes to follow its example. Parents in India care deeply about education, and larger states are eliminating barriers to schooling such as book and uniform fees.

Kerala, a state in southern India, may serve as a model. Its literacy rate is the highest in all of India, at 97%, and it frequently tops academic rankings.

Kerala's education system is also known for its inclusiveness. The state has made efforts to ensure that education is accessible to all, rich or poor, male or female. The government has implemented policies to provide free education to disadvantaged students, and has also worked to promote gender equality in education. With the rest of India racing to catch up, experts say Kerala is the blueprint to follow.

As India continues to expand, it is poised to become an increasingly important player on the world stage. Its economic growth is cause for optimism, not only for the country itself, but for the wider region and the global economy. 

Yes: With its large population and rapidly growing economy, India has the potential to become a world-leading country challenging the West and even China.

No: While India has made progress in terms of economic growth, it still has a long way to go to catch up to developed countries. Challenges such as rights for women and inequality still prevail in India.

Or... India cannot solve the world alone. But there is no doubt: it will play a crucial role in global affairs over the coming decades. Other nations must take notice.