World Economic Forum President and CEO Børge Brende has projected that India is poised to become a $10 trillion economy in the near future, citing robust growth in digital services, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and strong macroeconomic fundamentals.
Brende noted that India’s gross domestic product has nearly doubled over the past decade and continues to grow at a rate of 6 to 8 percent annually. Based on this trajectory, he said India is well-positioned to emerge as the third-largest economy in the world, joining the ranks of the global economic elite alongside the United States and China.
According to Brende, one of India’s biggest strengths lies in its rapidly expanding digital economy. The country’s digital and services trade is reportedly growing three times faster than traditional goods trade, indicating a shift toward a more innovation-led growth model. He also emphasized that India’s young, tech-savvy population—with a median age of 28—is accelerating the adoption of new technologies, driving entrepreneurship, and contributing to productivity gains.
The World Economic Forum chief also highlighted India’s thriving startup landscape. With over 120,000 registered startups and more than 120 unicorns, India has become one of the most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems globally. These ventures are playing a key role in sectors such as fintech, edtech, e-commerce, and healthtech, providing jobs and contributing to economic momentum.
Brende added that for India to sustain this growth and meet its $10 trillion target, the government must continue implementing key reforms. This includes reducing regulatory bottlenecks, improving infrastructure, enhancing ease of doing business, and investing in research, education, and skills development.
He also acknowledged that global economic conditions remain challenging, with subdued growth and rising geopolitical uncertainties. However, he underscored India’s resilience and its growing contribution to the global economy, predicting that the country could account for nearly 20 percent of global growth in the coming years.
Børge Brende’s remarks reaffirm India’s emergence as a major player in the global economy, driven by digital innovation, policy reforms, and demographic strength.
