India is increasingly being seen as a major global economic force, with several experts and leaders at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos projecting that the country is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy in the coming years, potentially by 2028 or sooner.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted India’s strong growth trajectory, citing structural reforms, infrastructure investment, and robust economic fundamentals as key drivers of sustained expansion.
Economist Gita Gopinath noted that while GDP growth could elevate India’s global ranking, the real challenge lies in raising per capita incomes and maintaining reform momentum to ensure inclusive prosperity.
Projections by financial institutions and analysts suggest India’s rapid expansion could see it overtaking Germany to claim the third spot among the world’s largest economies, underscoring its rising influence in global economic affairs.
