Modi Era Milestones — India’s Ascent to Economic Prominence

By Harshita Rai

In an era marked by global slowdowns and geopolitical uncertainties, India’s rise to become the world’s fourth-largest economy stands as a defining achievement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance and economic stewardship. What once seemed aspirational a decade ago has now solidified into measurable reality, transforming India’s global economic standing and validating policy continuity that began in 2014.

At the heart of this story is an extraordinary expansion of national output. Latest International Monetary Fund projections place India’s nominal GDP at approximately USD 4.187 trillion in 2025, nudging past Japan’s GDP of around USD 4.186 trillion to claim the fourth position globally.

This moment is not merely a statistical shift but a milestone—one that reflects sustained economic momentum and an upward trajectory that few major economies have matched.

From Policy Reforms to Performance
This ascent is rooted in a decade of bold reforms, structural policy moves, and long-term strategic planning. From the rollout of Goods and Services Tax (GST) to a consistent emphasis on infrastructure-led growth, India has methodically strengthened its economic foundations. The expansion in capital expenditure, which has ballooned in recent years, has not only improved connectivity but also stimulated investment and job creation.

Under the Modi government’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, domestic demand remains robust and resilient while exports and investment flows continue to attract global interest. India’s position as a preferred destination for foreign capital is evidenced by increasing foreign direct investment and a thriving startup ecosystem that has helped create jobs and spur innovation across sectors.

Growth With Stability
What makes India’s recent economic performance even more remarkable is the macroeconomic stability it has maintained. Despite global headwinds, India has consistently registered real GDP growth rates well above those of developed and many developing economies, underscoring its role as the fastest-growing major economy.

At the same time, inflation has remained controlled, reflecting effective policy calibration between monetary and fiscal frameworks.

This dual achievement—high growth and low inflation—is rare in global economic cycles and speaks volumes about disciplined governance and forward-looking economic management.

Beyond the Fourth Rank
While critics may debate the precision of rankings or narrow statistical margins, the broader narrative is undeniable: India has transformed from being the world’s tenth largest economy in 2014 to the fourth largest in 2025.

This leap is not merely numerical but symbolic of India’s rising influence in shaping global economic discourse.

Looking ahead, projections suggest India is on track to ascend further, potentially overtaking Germany to become the third-largest economy within the next few years and, ultimately, a leading economic power by mid-century.

Conclusion
India’s economic rise is not an accident of circumstance but the result of deliberate policy choices, structural reforms, and sustained emphasis on broad-based growth. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the nation has demonstrated that ambitious visions, when anchored in economic discipline and strategic continuity, can yield transformative outcomes.

In a world beset by uncertainty and stagnation in many advanced economies, India’s growth story is not just a domestic triumph—it is a global testament to resilience, reform, and forward momentum.