At the World Economic Forum in Davos, global experts discussed India's robust growth rate, deepening reforms, and key challenges in a panel session. Organized with the India Today Group, participants including Gita Gopinath, Sunil Mittal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and IKEA's CEO shared insights on India's goal to become a developed nation by 2047. They highlighted digital infrastructure, labor reforms, and obstacles like pollution.
On January 21, 2026, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, a special session organized with the India Today Group was moderated by Vice Chairperson Kalli Purie. The discussion focused on whether India can become the world's third largest economy.
IMF Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath praised India's achievements. She stated, “Digital infrastructure has been impressively built. What has been done with GST, especially the recent simplifications, is extremely helpful for the economy.” She emphasized maintaining momentum by increasing per capita income and achieving the 'Viksit Bharat' goal by 2047. Low single-digit inflation was seen as positive, but she pointed to challenges in land acquisition, judicial reforms, and the labor market. She noted that only 30% of growth has come from labor and stressed the need for large-scale skilling. Pollution was highlighted as a major hurdle, citing World Bank data: “About 1.7 million people die annually in India due to pollution.”
Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Mittal adopted an optimistic view. He said, “India will become the third largest economy for sure. If I say it in spiritual terms, it is written in destiny.” He stressed reaching a 25-30 trillion dollar economy, policy stability, and global trade deals. Recalling the old license raj, he praised current reforms.
IKEA's global CEO Juvencio Meztu Herrera described India as a large market with a young population and democracy. He said, “India has the capacity to leap from an agriculture-based economy directly into the advanced AI era faster than any other country.” He advised long-term investment.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed reforms: “In the last ten years, 1,600 laws have been repealed. About 35,000 compliances have been removed.” Telecom tower permits now take 7 days instead of 270, and railway terminals 2.5 months instead of six years. Despite tariff challenges, exports have grown, with electronics becoming the third largest export sector.
In closing, Kalli Purie remarked, “India is a positive force for the world, and its golden future is already set.” The session underscored opportunities and challenges in India's economic journey.
