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The world economy is changing fast — and two countries everyone is watching closely are India and China. For a long time, China has been known as the world’s factory and one of the fastest-growing economies. But now, its growth is starting to slow down. In 2025, China’s economy is expected to grow by just 4%.

On the other hand, India is growing much faster — with a growth rate of 6.2% expected in 2025. That’s a big difference.

India has a young population, strong tech growth, and rising local demand. All of this is helping its economy rise steadily. So the big question now is: Can India really catch up with China? And maybe even overtake it in the future?

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India vs China: A Tale of Two Growing Giants

When we look at the numbers for 2025, it’s easy to see a big difference between how fast India and China are growing.

According to the latest data:
India’s economy is expected to grow by 6.2% in 2025
China’s economy is expected to grow by only 4%

That means India is growing faster than China, even though China still has a bigger economy overall.

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Why India Has an Advantage

India has a younger population than China, with more than 50% of its people under 30[1]. A younger population means:

1. More people ready to work
2. More demand for goods and services
3. A strong, energetic workforce for future industries

China, in contrast, is facing an aging population crisis, which may slow down its productivity and increase healthcare and retirement costs over time.

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What’s Helping India Grow?
India’s recent progress is driven by multiple factors:
A fast-growing digital economy with over 800 million internet users[2].
Government investments in infrastructure and manufacturing[3].
Major companies shifting supply chains to India to reduce dependence on China[4].
According to OECD, A booming startup ecosystem, especially in fintech, edtech, and health tech.

What Is Slowing China Down?
Although China remains a powerful economy, its growth is slowing due to:
* An aging workforce[5].
* Decreasing exports due to global tensions and supply chain shifts[6].
* According to CNBC, A real estate crisis that is affecting banks and households.
* Less foreign investment compared to past decades[7].

Can India Really Overtake China?
In total GDP, China is still far ahead of India. But if India keeps growing faster, it will gradually close the gap over the next 10–20 years[8]. Many analysts believe India could become the third-largest economy by 2030. With consistent policy support, tech innovation, and global interest, India has a strong chance to reshape the world economy.

India’s economy is expected to grow by 6.2% in 2025, which is a little lower than earlier estimates of 6.5%, mainly due to global problems and trade tensions, says the IMF. Still, India’s growth is stronger than most other countries in the region, thanks to rising spending in rural areas. In comparison, growth in emerging Asian countries like the ASEAN group is falling and expected to be only 4.5% in 2025 and 4.6% in 2026.

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Last year, China’s economy grew by 5.0%, which matched the government’s goal. But new trade tariffs have started to slow things down. These tariffs reduced the benefits of strong growth at the end of 2024 and more government spending. As a result, the IMF has lowered China’s growth forecast for 2026 to 4.0%, down from 4.5%, mainly because of ongoing trade tensions and policy uncertainty.

India is no longer just an emerging country — it is becoming a key global player. With faster growth, a younger population, and growing foreign interest, it is possible that India could one day catch up or even overtake China economically.The journey won’t be easy. But the signs are clear — India is rising, and the world is watching closely.

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References

  1. United Nations (2024). World Population Prospects 2024. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://population.un.org/wpp/.
  2. Keelery, S. (2023). India – number of internet users 2023 | Statistic. [online] Statista. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/255146/number-of-internet-users-in-india/.
  3. World Bank (2024). Global Economic Prospects. [online] World Bank. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/global-economic-prospects.
  4. Reuters. (n.d.). Latest India News | Today’s Top Stories. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/.
  5. United Nations (2024). World Population Prospects 2024. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://population.un.org/wpp/.
  6. IMF (2024). World Economic Outlook. [online] International Monetary Fund. Available at: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/weo.
  7. Bloomberg.com. (2025). China Has Record Foreign Investment Outflow as $168 Billion Exit. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-14/china-has-record-foreign-investment-outflow-as-168-billion-exit.
  8. IMF (2024). World Economic Outlook, April 2024. [online] International Monetary Fund. Available at: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2024/04/16/world-economic-outlook-april-2024.
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Economy

Trump’s 2025 Tariffs on India Explained: Full List, Dates, Products, and 50% Duty Impact

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Excerpt: Trump’s 2025 tariff campaign marked a sharp turn in U.S.-India trade, with duties on Indian goods doubling in just four months.

In 2025, during his second presidency, Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on India in a series of aggressive moves that escalated U.S.-India trade tensions to historic levels. Citing concerns over India’s trade practices and its continued purchases of Russian oil, the Trump administration rolled out three major tariff actions between April and August—raising import duties on Indian goods up to 50%. These tariffs hit critical sectors including textiles, electronics, jewellery, and auto parts, causing ripple effects in both countries’ economies.

Trump’s Tariff Actions on India (2025)

The first salvo came on April 2, 2025, when Trump launched a 27% “reciprocal tariff” on several Indian imports as part of a global “Liberation Day” trade policy [9]. This was followed by a 25% tariff announced on July 30, directly targeting India’s refusal to curb Russian energy imports [10].

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The final escalation occurred on August 6, adding another 25% on top of the previous rate, effectively bringing tariffs on most Indian goods to 50% [11].

Sectors Most Affected by the Tariffs

The tariff waves were not evenly felt. While pharmaceuticals remained largely exempt due to their essential role in U.S. healthcare, almost every other major export category from India faced steep duties. These additional costs directly impacted U.S. importers, consumers, and Indian manufacturers alike.

Key Indian Export Categories Affected (2025)

Retailers warned that prices for consumer goods like smartphones, clothing, and jewellery could surge in U.S. markets, with some sectors like gems and jewellery seeing a +24% increase in retail price [12].

Geopolitical Dimensions

Trump’s rationale was not purely economic. The tariffs were directly linked to India’s ongoing energy and defense trade with Russia, which the U.S. viewed as a threat to NATO-aligned global security efforts. By economically pressuring India, the administration hoped to force a pivot in its foreign policy [13].

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India, on the other hand, labeled the moves as “unfair, unjustified, and politically motivated,” threatening retaliation at the WTO and in its own trade policies [14].

A Historic Low in US-India Trade Relations

By August 2025, U.S.-India trade relations had reached a historic low. The 50% tariff wall on Indian exports created significant market disruptions and frayed one of the world’s most strategic partnerships. While pharmaceuticals were spared, consumer goods and industrial sectors were not, and the long-term consequences for global trade remain uncertain.

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References

  1. United Nations (2024). World Population Prospects 2024. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://population.un.org/wpp/.
  2. Keelery, S. (2023). India – number of internet users 2023 | Statistic. [online] Statista. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/255146/number-of-internet-users-in-india/.
  3. World Bank (2024). Global Economic Prospects. [online] World Bank. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/global-economic-prospects.
  4. Reuters. (n.d.). Latest India News | Today’s Top Stories. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/.
  5. United Nations (2024). World Population Prospects 2024. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://population.un.org/wpp/.
  6. IMF (2024). World Economic Outlook. [online] International Monetary Fund. Available at: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/weo.
  7. Bloomberg.com. (2025). China Has Record Foreign Investment Outflow as $168 Billion Exit. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-14/china-has-record-foreign-investment-outflow-as-168-billion-exit.
  8. IMF (2024). World Economic Outlook, April 2024. [online] International Monetary Fund. Available at: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2024/04/16/world-economic-outlook-april-2024.
  9. Wikipedia. Tariffs in the Second Trump Administration. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tariffs_in_the_second_Trump_administration
  10. Times of India. India-US trade deal: Trump announces 25% tariff on India. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-us-trade-deal-trump-announces-25-tariff-on-india-plus-penalty-for-buying-energy-and-arms-from-russia/articleshow/122998698.cms
  11. Reuters. Trump imposes extra 25% tariff on Indian goods. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/trump-imposes-extra-25-tariff-indian-goods-ties-hit-new-low-2025-08-06/
  12. IndiaTimes. Donald Trump’s India tariffs set to hit US shoppers hard. Available at: https://indiatimes.com/trending/donald-trumps-india-tariffs-set-to-hit-us-shoppers-hard-phones-auto-parts-jeans-jewellery-to-get-costlier-665564.html
  13. Al Jazeera. Trump imposes 25 percent tariff on Indian goods over Russian oil. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/6/trump-imposes-25-percent-tariff-on-indian-goods-over-russian-oil
  14. Economic Times. India reacts to 50% US tariffs. Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/trump-tariff-from-50-on-india-and-brazil-to-35-on-canada-heres-how-nations-stack-up-in-comparison/articleshow/123145315.cms
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Economy

Is India Really a ‘Dead Economy’? A Deep Dive Into the Facts Trump Didn’t Mention

When Donald Trump recently called India a “dead economy,” it sparked global headlines and trended across social media. For many, this bold remark raised questions — is there any truth to it? Is India really falling behind, or is something else happening beneath the surface?

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When Donald Trump recently called India a “dead economy,” it sparked global headlines and trended across social media. For many, this bold remark raised questions — is there any truth to it? Is India really falling behind, or is something else happening beneath the surface?

While the term “dead economy” might make for great clickbait, India’s recent economic data tells a very different story — one of resilience, expansion, and global leadership. From strong GDP growth to booming exports and a youth-driven workforce, India is proving itself far from stagnant.

Contrary to claims of economic stagnation, India’s economy is not just alive — it is accelerating. Despite global challenges like inflation, interest rate volatility, and geopolitical friction, India continues to outperform most major economies. Backed by strong fundamentals, a young population, and targeted policy reforms, India stands poised for long-term growth.

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One of the clearest indicators of India’s economic health is its consistently high GDP growth rate. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is expected to grow at 6.5% in FY 2024–25, maintaining its position as the world’s fastest-growing large economy[15].

Table 1: India’s Real GDP Growth (Fiscal Years)

Alongside growth, India’s manufacturing strength is expanding rapidly, largely due to the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This initiative has boosted domestic production and exports, particularly in electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Export Growth by Sector (FY 2024–25)

Another key strength is India’s demographic profile. With a median age of just 28.2, India has one of the youngest populations in the world. In comparison, China’s median age is around 39.8, and Japan’s is nearly 50[16] [17].

Table 3: Median Age by Country (2023)

In addition, India’s digital and fintech sectors are booming. With over 800 million internet users and a record number of digital transactions via UPI, India is quickly becoming a global digital leader.

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Conclusion: A “Dead Economy”? Only If You Ignore the Data

India may have its challenges, but calling it a “dead economy” is not just misleading — it’s uninformed. The real story is of a country surging ahead, backed by numbers, people, and momentum. Trump may have made headlines, but India is making history.

References

  1. United Nations (2024). World Population Prospects 2024. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://population.un.org/wpp/.
  2. Keelery, S. (2023). India – number of internet users 2023 | Statistic. [online] Statista. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/255146/number-of-internet-users-in-india/.
  3. World Bank (2024). Global Economic Prospects. [online] World Bank. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/global-economic-prospects.
  4. Reuters. (n.d.). Latest India News | Today’s Top Stories. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/.
  5. United Nations (2024). World Population Prospects 2024. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://population.un.org/wpp/.
  6. IMF (2024). World Economic Outlook. [online] International Monetary Fund. Available at: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/weo.
  7. Bloomberg.com. (2025). China Has Record Foreign Investment Outflow as $168 Billion Exit. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-14/china-has-record-foreign-investment-outflow-as-168-billion-exit.
  8. IMF (2024). World Economic Outlook, April 2024. [online] International Monetary Fund. Available at: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2024/04/16/world-economic-outlook-april-2024.
  9. Wikipedia. Tariffs in the Second Trump Administration. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tariffs_in_the_second_Trump_administration
  10. Times of India. India-US trade deal: Trump announces 25% tariff on India. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-us-trade-deal-trump-announces-25-tariff-on-india-plus-penalty-for-buying-energy-and-arms-from-russia/articleshow/122998698.cms
  11. Reuters. Trump imposes extra 25% tariff on Indian goods. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/trump-imposes-extra-25-tariff-indian-goods-ties-hit-new-low-2025-08-06/
  12. IndiaTimes. Donald Trump’s India tariffs set to hit US shoppers hard. Available at: https://indiatimes.com/trending/donald-trumps-india-tariffs-set-to-hit-us-shoppers-hard-phones-auto-parts-jeans-jewellery-to-get-costlier-665564.html
  13. Al Jazeera. Trump imposes 25 percent tariff on Indian goods over Russian oil. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/6/trump-imposes-25-percent-tariff-on-indian-goods-over-russian-oil
  14. Economic Times. India reacts to 50% US tariffs. Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/trump-tariff-from-50-on-india-and-brazil-to-35-on-canada-heres-how-nations-stack-up-in-comparison/articleshow/123145315.cms
  15. Khandekar, N. (2025). India to remain fastest growing major eco with 6.5% growth in FY26: IMF. [online] The Economic Times. Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/india-to-remain-fastest-growing-major-eco-with-6-5-growth-in-fy26-imf/articleshow/118649360.cms.
  16. World Bank (2023). Population, Total. [online] The World Bank. Available at: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.
  17. CIA (2024). Median age – The World Factbook. [online] www.cia.gov. Available at: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/median-age/country-comparison/.
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Economy

India’s Top Exports and Imports in 2023: What the World Buys and Sells with India

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Excerpt: India’s trade footprint in the global market continues to evolve rapidly, driven by its strategic exports in energy, electronics, and IT services, while mineral fuels and high-tech goods dominate its import landscape. A deep dive into 2023 trade data reveals how India is positioning itself as both a critical manufacturing hub and a growing consumer economy.

India’s Global Trade in 2023: Goods and Services at a Glance

India’s engagement with global trade spans a diverse portfolio, from oil exports to digital services. In 2023, the country’s total merchandise exports reached $431.4 billion, while imports stood significantly higher at $672.1 billion, reflecting India’s expanding consumption base. On the services front, India’s dominance in the global IT sector remained evident, with total service exports worth $309.4 billion against imports of $176.8 billion.

Top Commodities Exported by India

India’s top ten exported goods reflect a blend of natural resources, high-value industrial products, and pharmaceuticals. Leading the list are:
  • Mineral fuels and oils – $89.3 billion (20.7%)
  • Precious stones and metals – $33.4 billion (7.7%)
  • Electrical machinery – $32.3 billion (7.5%)
  • Machinery and mechanical appliances – $29.3 billion (6.8%)
  • Pharmaceutical products – $21.3 billion (4.9%)
These exports position India as a key global supplier in energy, technology, and health sectors[18].

Top Goods Exported by India in 2023

India’s Major Imports: A Strong Energy Dependency

India’s reliance on global energy markets is evident, with mineral fuels and oils topping its imports at a staggering $220.6 billion, accounting for nearly one-third of total merchandise imports.Other notable import categories include:
  • Electrical machinery – $76.1 billion
  • Precious stones and metals – $72.7 billion
  • Machinery and mechanical appliances – $57.1 billion
  • Organic chemicals – $27.3 billion

Top Goods Imported by India in 2023

India’s Services Export Strength: Powered by IT and Business Services

In 2022, India exported over $309 billion worth of services, spearheaded by the booming IT and business services sectors. The country’s global leadership in software and back-office operations is underscored by:
  • Telecommunications, computer, and information services – $144.8 billion (46.8%)
  • Other business services – $74.9 billion (24.2%)
  • Transport and travel services – combined $58.9 billion (19%)

India’s Imported Services: Business and Logistics Take the Lead

Service imports into India, totaling $176.8 billion in 2022, were largely centered around professional services, global transport logistics, and tourism[19].Key imported services include:
  • Other business services – $57.3 billion (32.4%)
  • Transport – $43.5 billion (24.6%)
  • Travel – $25.9 billion (14.6%)

Top Services Imported by India in 2022

Trade Trends and Strategic Insights

India’s trade data reveal several underlying economic dynamics:
  • Energy security remains a critical concern, with high dependence on imported fossil fuels.
  • Export strength is shifting from traditional commodities to high-value services, particularly IT and pharmaceuticals.
  • India’s role in the global electronics and machinery supply chain is growing on both export and import fronts.
  • Inward tourism and logistics spending reflect India’s increasing global integration and rising middle-class consumption.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for India’s Trade

India’s evolving trade profile highlights a maturing economy—one that is leveraging its digital strengths while tackling structural import dependencies, especially in energy. As India positions itself for greater self-reliance and global leadership, strategic trade policy and investment in key sectors like renewable energy, technology, and services will be vital.

References

  1. United Nations (2024). World Population Prospects 2024. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://population.un.org/wpp/.
  2. Keelery, S. (2023). India – number of internet users 2023 | Statistic. [online] Statista. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/255146/number-of-internet-users-in-india/.
  3. World Bank (2024). Global Economic Prospects. [online] World Bank. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/global-economic-prospects.
  4. Reuters. (n.d.). Latest India News | Today’s Top Stories. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/.
  5. United Nations (2024). World Population Prospects 2024. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://population.un.org/wpp/.
  6. IMF (2024). World Economic Outlook. [online] International Monetary Fund. Available at: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/weo.
  7. Bloomberg.com. (2025). China Has Record Foreign Investment Outflow as $168 Billion Exit. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-14/china-has-record-foreign-investment-outflow-as-168-billion-exit.
  8. IMF (2024). World Economic Outlook, April 2024. [online] International Monetary Fund. Available at: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2024/04/16/world-economic-outlook-april-2024.
  9. Wikipedia. Tariffs in the Second Trump Administration. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tariffs_in_the_second_Trump_administration
  10. Times of India. India-US trade deal: Trump announces 25% tariff on India. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-us-trade-deal-trump-announces-25-tariff-on-india-plus-penalty-for-buying-energy-and-arms-from-russia/articleshow/122998698.cms
  11. Reuters. Trump imposes extra 25% tariff on Indian goods. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/trump-imposes-extra-25-tariff-indian-goods-ties-hit-new-low-2025-08-06/
  12. IndiaTimes. Donald Trump’s India tariffs set to hit US shoppers hard. Available at: https://indiatimes.com/trending/donald-trumps-india-tariffs-set-to-hit-us-shoppers-hard-phones-auto-parts-jeans-jewellery-to-get-costlier-665564.html
  13. Al Jazeera. Trump imposes 25 percent tariff on Indian goods over Russian oil. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/6/trump-imposes-25-percent-tariff-on-indian-goods-over-russian-oil
  14. Economic Times. India reacts to 50% US tariffs. Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/trump-tariff-from-50-on-india-and-brazil-to-35-on-canada-heres-how-nations-stack-up-in-comparison/articleshow/123145315.cms
  15. Khandekar, N. (2025). India to remain fastest growing major eco with 6.5% growth in FY26: IMF. [online] The Economic Times. Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/india-to-remain-fastest-growing-major-eco-with-6-5-growth-in-fy26-imf/articleshow/118649360.cms.
  16. World Bank (2023). Population, Total. [online] The World Bank. Available at: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.
  17. CIA (2024). Median age – The World Factbook. [online] www.cia.gov. Available at: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/median-age/country-comparison/.
  18. UN Comtrade. (2024). Available at: https://comtrade.un.org [Accessed 25 Jul. 2025].
  19. ITC Trade Map. (2024). Available at: https://www.trademap.org [Accessed 22 Jul. 2025].
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