India
Republic of India
India/Bharat
India: A Land of Diversity, Progress, and Creative Innovation
India, the world’s largest democracy and home to over 1.4 billion people, stands as a symbol of diversity and resilience. With its rich history, booming economy, and vibrant cultural landscape, the country is a powerhouse of global influence. From its creative industries to its role in global development, India offers a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity.
Country Data and Statistics
India is the seventh-largest country by area and the second-most populous nation in the world. Its economy is the fifth largest globally by nominal GDP, reaching approximately $3.7 trillion in 2023, and it is expected to grow further in the coming years. The country’s growth rate, averaging 6-7% annually, positions it as one of the fastest-growing major economies. Key sectors include agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and services, with the latter contributing nearly 60% of the GDP.
Flag of India
three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange) (top), white, and green, with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band; saffron represents courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation; white signifies purity and truth; green stands for faith and fertility; the blue chakra symbolizes the wheel of life in movement and death in stagnation similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band
note: similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band
Creative Industries India at Europa Regina
Population:
1,399,179,585 (2023 est.)
1,339,330,514 (2021)
1,326,093,247 (2020)
1,281,935,911 (2017)
Capital: New Delhi
Internet country code: .in
Government:
National Portal of India: india.gov.in
Ministry of Tourism: incredibleindia.org
Open Government Data Platform India: data.gov.in
UN:
UN India: india.un.org
UNICEF India: unicef.in
UN Women India: india.unwomen.org
Republic of India / Bhārat Gaṇarājya
The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world’s oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. Aryan tribes from the northwest infiltrated the Indian subcontinent about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. The Maurya Empire of the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. – which reached its zenith under ASHOKA – united much of South Asia. The Golden Age ushered in by the Gupta dynasty (4th to 6th centuries A.D.) saw a flowering of Indian science, art, and culture. Islam spread across the subcontinent over a period of 700 years. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Turks and Afghans invaded India and established the Delhi Sultanate. In the early 16th century, the Emperor BABUR established the Mughal Dynasty which ruled India for more than three centuries. European explorers began establishing footholds in India during the 16th century. By the 19th century, Great Britain had become the dominant political power on the subcontinent. The British Indian Army played a vital role in both World Wars. Years of nonviolent resistance to British rule, led by Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU, eventually resulted in Indian independence, which was granted in 1947. Large-scale communal violence took place before and after the subcontinent partition into two separate states – India and Pakistan. The neighboring nations have fought three wars since independence, the last of which was in 1971 and resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. India’s nuclear weapons tests in 1998 emboldened Pakistan to conduct its own tests that same year. In November 2008, terrorists originating from Pakistan conducted a series of coordinated attacks in Mumbai, India’s financial capital. Despite pressing problems such as significant overpopulation, environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and widespread corruption, economic growth following the launch of economic reforms in 1991 and a massive youthful population are driving India’s emergence as a regional and global power.
Economy and Development
India’s economic transformation has been remarkable. Major infrastructure projects, digital innovation, and industrial expansion have spurred growth. The government’s flagship programs like *Make in India*, *Digital India*, and *Startup India* aim to boost manufacturing, technology, and entrepreneurship.
However, challenges remain, including income inequality, unemployment, and regional disparities. The country is also grappling with climate change, which impacts agriculture and urban development. Recent news highlights India’s ambitious goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, with significant investments in renewable energy.
Fashion and Design
Indian fashion reflects the country’s diversity, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Anita Dongre have brought Indian couture to global runways, while sustainable fashion is gaining traction with brands like Doodlage and Nicobar. The rise of e-commerce platforms has further expanded the reach of Indian fashion, making it accessible to international buyers.
Design innovation extends beyond fashion. Indian architects and industrial designers are pushing boundaries with eco-friendly materials and smart city solutions. Events like the India Design ID showcase the country’s evolving design landscape.
Trends and Global Influence
India is at the forefront of several global trends. Its tech industry, centered in Bengaluru, is a leader in AI, blockchain, and fintech. The country’s digital payments ecosystem, spearheaded by UPI (Unified Payments Interface), is revolutionizing financial transactions. Additionally, India’s growing startup ecosystem has produced over 100 unicorns, highlighting its entrepreneurial spirit.
On the cultural front, Indian cuisine, music, and yoga continue to captivate global audiences. The International Day of Yoga, celebrated worldwide, underscores India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.
Peace and Social Development
India plays a vital role in global peacekeeping, contributing significantly to United Nations missions. Domestically, the country faces challenges related to communal harmony and gender equality but has made strides in social development. Programs like *Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao* aim to empower women, while the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan focuses on improving sanitation.
Recent News
- Chandrayaan-3 Success: India made history in 2023 by becoming the first country to land a spacecraft near the Moon’s south pole, showcasing its advancements in space technology.
- G20 Presidency: India’s leadership of the G20 in 2023 emphasized sustainable development, digital transformation, and global health.
- Climate Action: India launched the Lifestyle for Environment initiative, advocating sustainable living practices globally.
India’s journey is a story of contrasts and convergence. As it balances rapid modernization with its rich heritage, the country continues to inspire and influence the world. Whether through its economic prowess, creative industries, or cultural exports, India remains a dynamic force on the global stage.