India wants to become economic superpower. But is GDP enough to make it global leader?

Published 29 July 2026 · india

India is rapidly climbing the global economic ladder. It is one of the world's fastest-growing major economies and is playing an increasingly influential role in

India is rapidly climbing the global economic ladder. It is one of the world's fastest-growing major economies and is playing an increasingly influential role in global discussions on trade, technology, digital public infrastructure, climate and geopolitics. But economic size alone does not determine whether a nation becomes a global leader. History shows that countries build lasting influence not only through the goods they export or the strength of their economies, but also through the ideas they share, the institutions they build and the trust they inspire. That is where soft power—the ability to shape global opinion through culture, education, innovation, diplomacy and people-to-people connections—becomes as important as economic strength. Read Full Story Ashok Thombre, International Business Advisor at The Quantico, believes India's next phase of global leadership will depend on how effectively it balances both. "India's economy is fast emerging as one of the most powerful in the world. The country is playing an increasingly important role in international discussions on trade, technology, climate, digital governance and security. But a country's global power is not just measured by economic growth. A nation's soft power is equally important in its ability to inspire trust, build partnerships and influence international opinion," Thombre said. Political scientist Joseph Nye, who coined the term "soft power", described it as a country's ability to attract rather than coerce others. Culture, education, democratic values, innovation, humanitarian assistance and diplomacy have become important tools of international engagement, often carrying as much long-term influence as military or economic power. WHY INDIA ALREADY HAS A SOFT POWER ADVANTAGE According to Thombre, India possesses several advantages that extend well beyond its economic growth.

As the world's largest democracy, home to one of the oldest civilisations, one of the youngest populations and a rapidly expanding digital economy, India enjoys assets that naturally strengthen its global influence. Its cultural diversity, educational institutions, entrepreneurial ecosystem and global diaspora all contribute to building long-term international relationships. "I have witnessed for several years that sustainable international partnerships are rarely built only on commercial interests," Thombre said. "Business relationships may begin with economics, but they endure because of trust, cultural understanding, institutional engagement and strong people-to-people connections. Social credibility is often the strongest ally of economic diplomacy." THE INDIAN DIASPORA IS A GLOBAL AMBASSADOR Few countries possess a diaspora as influential as India's. More than 35 million people of Indian origin live across the world, making India home to the world's largest diaspora community. Indian professionals today lead multinational companies, technology firms, healthcare institutions, universities, financial institutions and research organisations. According to Thombre, their success strengthens India's reputation internationally while creating lasting economic and institutional relationships between India and their host countries. EDUCATION IS BECOMING A DIPLOMATIC TOOL India's educational influence is also expanding. Thousands of Indian students study overseas every year, while foreign universities continue strengthening academic partnerships with Indian institutions. According to Thombre, research collaborations, student exchanges and innovation partnerships are no longer simply educational initiatives—they have become instruments of modern diplomacy that build goodwill between countries over decades. "Education is not only a way to make skilled professionals but also a way to create goodwill between two societies in the long run," Thombre said. FROM YOGA TO DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE India's cultural influence has travelled far beyond its borders.