How India's Demographic Advantage and Visionary Leadership Are Driving Global Impact: Insights from the Vice President's Address at the ISB Leadership Summit

INDC Network : Pujab : How India's Demographic Advantage and Visionary Leadership Are Driving Global Impact: Insights from the Vice President's Address at the ISB Leadership Summit

1. Introduction: India's Rising Promise

India, a land of vast diversity and potential, is on the cusp of a transformation that the world cannot ignore. Speaking at the Indian School of Business (ISB) Leadership Summit in Mohali, Punjab, the Vice President of India addressed a room full of ambitious students—those who are set to take the helm of this future. His speech echoed the optimism, challenges, and vast possibilities that India holds in the global arena, especially as we near the milestone of 2047, the 100th year of India's independence.

The youth, particularly students from premier institutions like ISB, represent the leadership India needs to propel itself toward becoming a developed nation. The Vice President’s words emphasized the importance of leadership, innovation, and governance in achieving this monumental goal. It is not just the demographic dividend that India possesses, but also the spirit of innovation and resilience embedded in its people. As he eloquently put it, this is no longer an India that merely promises—it is an India that delivers.

2. From Struggles to Triumphs: India's Economic Journey

Rewinding to just a few decades ago, India was grappling with serious economic challenges. The Vice President recounted a time when India’s foreign reserves were at a perilous low—just $1 billion in 1989. Compare that to the astonishing figure of $700 billion that India now boasts. This transformation is nothing short of remarkable, and it is testament to India's resilience and capacity for growth.

India has leaped forward geometrically in economic terms, moving from a nation struggling for international recognition to one that is now at the forefront of global discussions. The Prime Minister's leadership and India's presidency of the G20 have set new benchmarks in global governance. India’s economic indicators are robust, its diplomatic footprint growing, and its strategic importance undeniable. The inclusion of the African Union in the G20, which was facilitated by India, exemplifies the nation's commitment to global south solidarity and its role as a leader among developing nations.

3. Global Contributions and India’s Leadership

One of the most significant contributions India has made under its current leadership is its global advocacy for solar energy and yoga—both of which have now become international movements. The Vice President lauded India’s role in founding the International Solar Alliance and establishing the International Day of Yoga, which has now been celebrated across the world. These initiatives reflect India’s vision of contributing to global wellness and environmental sustainability.

India’s leadership has also been evident in the global response to pressing challenges like climate change. The Vice President recalled the 1979 film “Mad Max,” which dramatized the apocalyptic outcomes of climate neglect. While these scenarios seemed distant back then, today, climate change is an urgent reality. India's proactive approach, particularly through the promotion of solar energy, positions it as a global leader in the green energy revolution.

4. Technological Advancements and India’s Digital Revolution

India’s technological advancements have also been profound. As the Vice President noted, the scale of digital transformation in India is staggering. India has become a global leader in digital transactions, with an astounding 6.5 billion monthly digital payments. The development of 500 million bank accounts in record time has transformed financial inclusion in India.

These numbers, as the Vice President humorously remarked, are so impressive that they might seem exaggerated. Yet, they are a reality, a reality powered by robust digital infrastructure and governance. This has made India a global role model, particularly in the areas of digital identity management and financial inclusion. The country’s digital public infrastructure has helped deliver housing to 85 million people, provided health coverage to 330 million, and extended credit to 29 million small businesses—all through the power of technology. India’s success in digital transformation has been recognized by global institutions like the World Bank, which called India’s efforts a “global role model.” In just six years, India has achieved what would have taken other countries four decades to accomplish.

5. India as a Global Economic Powerhouse

The Vice President emphasized India's role as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The country, with its $4 trillion economy, has the capacity to grow at 8% annually, making it a major player on the global stage. The country’s infrastructure is expanding at a rapid pace, with four new airports and a metro system being built each year.

But perhaps more important than infrastructure is the idea that India’s economy is not just growing—it’s evolving. The country’s leadership in startups, with 58 unicorns and the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, has made India a magnet for innovation. These startups contribute $60 billion annually to the economy and showcase India’s capability to not just adopt but create cutting-edge technology.

6. Education and India’s Talent Pool

Education, as the Vice President rightly highlighted, is another area where India has made significant strides. Institutions like ISB are nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Indian talent is now recognized and sought after globally, with Indian CEOs heading some of the world’s largest corporations. This growing influence of Indian human resources in the global corporate sector is a testament to the quality of education and the opportunities available in the country.

Mobility agreements and collaborations with foreign countries are also opening new doors for Indian professionals. The pride in India’s talent is further amplified by the country’s achievements in space exploration, with successful missions to the Moon and Mars, and its growing importance in fields like semiconductor production and vaccine manufacturing.

7. Innovation, Manufacturing, and India’s Green Initiatives

India’s growth trajectory is also strongly linked to its innovation in manufacturing and green technology. The government’s focus on green hydrogen, with an investment of ₹19,000 crore, reflects a bold and future-forward vision. The Vice President shared his excitement about this mission, which is expected to create ₹6 lakh crore in investments and thousands of jobs by 2030.

Green hydrogen is just one of many innovations that will power India’s future. The country is also investing in quantum computing, with ₹6,000 crore allocated to this area. India’s leap toward the development of 6G technology, expected to be commercialized by 2025-2030, will create enormous opportunities, revolutionizing communication and opening up new industries.

8. Leadership in Governance and Economic Reforms

The Vice President did not shy away from discussing the importance of leadership in ensuring India’s continued growth. Leadership, as he explained, is not limited to politics. It spans across all sectors—corporate offices, small enterprises, and even in academia. Good leadership is essential to sustain and build on the progress that India has made in governance, especially as the country navigates the challenges of the 21st century.

India’s governance reforms have created a more transparent and accountable system. Corruption, which once plagued India’s public and private sectors, is being systematically eradicated. The days when contracts or jobs were obtained through bribes or influence are gone, the Vice President said, noting that this has created an ecosystem where talent and merit can flourish.

These reforms have also enhanced India's standing as a preferred global investment destination. India is no longer seen as a country weighed down by red tape and corruption. Instead, it is viewed as a land of opportunity, innovation, and transparency, where investors can be assured of fair and just governance.

9. India’s Role in Global Diplomacy

On the diplomatic front, India’s voice is now heard with respect and admiration. The Vice President emphasized that India has become a critical player in global affairs. Its leadership in the G20, its role in expanding the group to include the African Union, and its strategic engagements with countries in the Global South have positioned India as a champion for developing nations.

India's rise, however, is not about dominance or supremacy. Instead, it is about being a force for global good. The nation’s vision is rooted in its civilizational ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," or "the world is one family." This philosophy underpins India’s approach to global diplomacy—an approach that prioritizes peace, stability, and harmony over expansionism and conflict.

10. The Path Ahead: Vision for 2047

As the Vice President concluded his address, he laid out a vision for the future. By 2047, India is not just aiming to be a developed nation but to be a force for good in the world. To achieve this, the country will need to multiply its per capita income by eight, a challenging but achievable goal.

India’s rise is not only about economic prosperity; it is about lifting its people out of poverty, improving living standards, and ensuring that opportunities are available to all. The Vice President urged the students at ISB to take the reins of leadership and contribute to building a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable India.

In the Vice President's vision, the future belongs to India, and India's youth will be the torchbearers of this new chapter. With innovation, integrity, and a commitment to the global good, India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation is well underway, and its leadership will shape not just the country’s future but the future of the world.