Year 2023 in India: A Year of Triumph
The year 2023 marked a period of significant accomplishments for India. Despite ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, India emerged triumphant at the G-20 summit, hosting seven world leaders. Despite a challenging business climate, the country achieved a remarkable 7.5% economic growth, pushing its GDP to $4 trillion. Robust economic indicators included $110 billion in remittances and $80 billion in foreign direct investment, contributing to a promising economic future. India's foreign reserves of $600 billion ranked fourth globally.
Domestically, political dynamics shifted towards the center-right BJP party, securing victories in three state elections and solidifying its popularity. The revocation of Article 370 integrated Kashmir with the rest of India, and the decline of Naxalite terrorism in the mid-eastern states signaled progress. Despite efforts by Pakistan, terrorism in Kashmir remained under control.
Socially, India achieved notable milestones, with an improving literacy rate and highly educated individuals sought after by advanced countries. Strides were made in healthcare, exemplified by India's successful control of the deadly Covid virus. The nation developed its own vaccine, boasting 90% effectiveness, and supplied it to countries facing economic constraints.
India's leadership role in the G-20 provided a platform to showcase its economic achievements, with even President Biden expressing satisfaction during his visit. Amidst these developments, India emerged as a potential mediator for the Ukrainian and Israel-Hamas conflicts, poised to take a leading role in future negotiations.
However, there were challenges, including accusations by the US and Canada of India plotting a terrorist assassination. No evidence supporting these claims has surfaced, and it is crucial to note that the accused individuals were designated India’s terrorists supported by their host countries.
India's enhanced military capabilities over the past five years ensured its security, deterring potential adversaries. The country's growing naval power in the Indian Ocean secured commercial sea traffic, demonstrated by the deployment of five modern destroyers by India to the Red Sea region.
In contrast to China, India's success as a multi-party democracy stands as a model for other nations. Despite critics, India continues to prove that democracy can flourish without resorting to dictatorship or military rule.
A testament to India's global influence was the successful rescue of Sri Lanka from its economic troubles, serving as a cautionary tale against falling into a debt trap. India's advice to other nations emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility in avoiding economic challenges.
In short, India is doing well and that effort continues to become a $10 trillion economy in next 5/6 years.