India wants to become economic superpower. But is GDP enough to make it 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.India is among the fastest-growing major economies globally.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.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 AMBASSADORFew 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 TOOLIndia'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 INFRASTRUCTUREIndia's cultural influence has travelled far beyond its borders.Yoga, Ayurveda, Indian cinema, literature, cuisine, music and festivals have become part of global cultural life. The International Day of Yoga is now celebrated in more than 190 countries, demonstrating how cultural traditions can become powerful diplomatic tools.Technology is emerging as another pillar of India's soft power.India's achievements in Digital Public Infrastructure—including Aadhaar, UPI and DigiLocker—have attracted global attention, with several countries exploring India's digital governance and payment infrastructure as models for delivering public services and expanding financial inclusion. Combined with one of the world's largest startup ecosystems, supported by more than 2 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups, these innovations are helping position India as a source of practical development models for emerging economies.According to Thombre, innovation has become another important pillar of India's growing international influence.SOFT POWER BEGINS AT HOMEThombre argues that no country can build international credibility without strengthening its domestic foundations.Progress in education, social inclusion, women's empowerment, environmental sustainability, digital literacy and democratic governance ultimately shapes how the world views India.Investments in these areas therefore contribute not only to domestic development but also to India's international standing."A country that addresses its own challenges successfully earns greater respect internationally. Investments in education, skill development, digital literacy, women's empowerment and inclusive growth are therefore not only essential for national development but also for strengthening India's global image," Thombre said.INDIA'S YOUTH COULD SHAPE ITS NEXT GLOBAL CHAPTERIndia's demographic advantage may become one of its biggest soft power assets.With one of the world's youngest populations, the country has an opportunity to create future diplomats, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators who can strengthen India's influence globally.Providing young people with quality education, global exposure and opportunities for international collaboration will help determine how India's reputation evolves over the coming decades.Drawing on his experience across education, policy and international development, Thombre believes lasting partnerships are built through understanding rather than transactions."You don't establish a lasting relationship through a transaction, but by means of understanding. Countries that focus on human relationships have partnerships that stay strong even when economies and politics become uncertain," he said.ECONOMIC POWER MAY OPEN DOORS. SOFT POWER HELPS KEEP THEM OPEN.India's ambition to become a global economic powerhouse is well underway.But sustaining global leadership will require more than faster GDP growth, stronger exports and technological progress."India has to balance both the human and economic dimensions of development. Investments in education, culture, diplomacy, research and people-to-people engagement are just as important as economic growth. The future of global leadership belongs to nations that combine power with credibility, compassion and collaboration," Thombre said.As India seeks a larger role in shaping the global economy, its greatest strength may ultimately lie not only in what it produces or exports, but also in the values, knowledge and relationships it shares with the world. Economic growth may create opportunities, but it is trust, credibility and human connections that transform a rising economy into a respected global leader.- EndsPublished On: Jul 29, 2026 19:41 IST