India is poised for remarkable economic expansion over the coming decades, with Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, projecting that the country could become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, up from its current valuation of around $4 trillion. Speaking during an event held alongside the International Air Transport Association (IATA) meet in New Delhi, Kant laid out a sweeping vision for India's future as it nears its centenary of independence.
🇮🇳 Key Growth Drivers and Predictions
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The current average age is 28, and even by 2047, it is expected to be only 35.
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In stark contrast, developed nations — including the US, Japan, China, and Europe — are grappling with rapid ageing.
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Kant described India as a “nation of baby boomers” in its prime, capable of driving consumption, productivity, and innovation for decades.
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Nearly 5 million people are expected to migrate to cities annually.
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To accommodate this shift, India will need to build about 500 new cities.
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Kant likened this to building “two new Americas” over the next 50 years or one Chicago-sized city every five years — an enormous challenge in infrastructure, governance, and sustainability.
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India currently has just over 150 operational airports.
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The government plans to expand this to 400 airports, drastically improving domestic and international connectivity.
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He emphasized the need to develop globally competitive airlines like IndiGo and Air India, capable of rivaling Emirates and Qatar Airways on the international stage.
🚀 India's Economic Trajectory: Key Context
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Fourth-largest economy: India recently overtook Germany to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, trailing only the US, China, and Japan.
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Vision 2047: The $30 trillion target aligns with India’s 100th year of independence and the broader “Amrit Kaal” vision for a self-reliant, globally influential India.
This ambitious outlook places massive demands on infrastructure, sustainability, urban planning, and human capital development. However, if managed effectively, India could transition into one of the world’s most dynamic and resilient economic powerhouses by mid-century.