New Delhi is emerging as the powerhouse of global economic expansion, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing that India now contributes a staggering 17 percent to worldwide GDP growth. This remarkable feat positions the nation ahead of traditional giants like the United States, signaling a seismic shift in global economic power dynamics.
Speaking to students in Parliament shortly after presenting the 2026-27 Union Budget, Sitharaman highlighted a chart shared by billionaire Elon Musk from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) data. The visualization starkly illustrates India and China together accounting for 43 percent of global GDP growth—China at 26 percent and India at 17 percent.
‘This chart shows how economic strength is pivoting towards Asia,’ Sitharaman emphasized, underscoring India’s robust growth trajectory. She acknowledged China’s current lead but expressed confidence in India’s ability to close the gap over time, thanks to sustained reforms and policy focus.
The minister urged Indians to take pride in their economy’s pivotal role alongside a key neighbor. ‘India is now at the center of global economic expansion,’ she declared, pointing to worldwide attention on the country’s development story.
Musk had reposted the chart originally from World of Statistics, captioning it as evidence of changing global power balances. Sitharaman’s reference amplifies this narrative, positioning India as a beacon of optimism amid global uncertainties.
As economies worldwide grapple with slowdowns, India’s consistent performance—driven by digital innovation, infrastructure boom, and demographic dividends—offers a compelling case for investor confidence. The minister’s words resonate as a call to action: trust in India’s long-term vision will fuel even greater contributions ahead.