India neeed to tap hidden potential of Bihar to become a declared Superpower by 2047 -S.K. Singh (ex-Scientist-DRDO and Social entreprenuer)
India is expected to be the third-largest economy by 2030, surpassing Japan and potentially even exceeding the US by 2047. India is making strides in technology, including AI, Quantum computing, and Space programs, which could further boost its economic standing. The exemplary progress made in indigenous Space and Defence Research along with “Make in India” initiative is bound to propel India into a trajectory which is beyond the reach of so-called and declared superpowers of today.
A superpower is characterized by its dominant influence and power on the global stage, rooted in its strong military, robust economy, and significant political and cultural influence. These nations often possess the capacity to project power anywhere in the world, influence other states, and are considered key players in solving global problems. In essence, a superpower’s characteristics encompass a combination of hard power (military and economic) and soft power (cultural and diplomatic influence) that allows them to exert a dominant influence on the global stage. Military strength, Economic Power, Political & Cultural influence, Resource Endowment, Geography and Population, Soft Power and Technological advancements are the main attributes defining the characterises of a superpower.
USA, China and India were projected to be the major economic and military powers in the coming decades. Operation Sindoor belied the myth about the military power of China and now China has all the reasons to speculate its place in the global military power as Chinses combat jets and air defence equipment supplied to Pakistan proved of no use in the operation Sindoor. China should be thankful to Operation Sindoor for getting its Air Defence System tested first time in a war or war like situation. American Missiles and Jet fighters proved equally fragile against the onslaught of Indian attack and Air Defence systems and in true sense Operation Sindoor placed India amongst the top three military powers.
While not officially declared a superpower, India is widely recognized as a rising economic and strategic power, with projections suggesting it could become a leading global force in the coming decades. India’s growing economy, large and youthful population, and strategic importance are factors contributing to this view. India has been able to use its growing economic and political clout to expand its influence around the world. While arguments and narratives set against India such as income inequality, infrastructure gaps, trade imbalance and social challenges may be some of the pointers to be fixed, India has acquired the status of undeclared superpower due to its independent foreign policy, military power and strong leadership. No one can dictate India today and India is empowered to implicitly get its agenda moved and executed in the global forum, This speaks a lot how India is already an undeclared superpower today.
To accelerate the growth, India need to tap the hidden potential of the some of states like Bihar which is left open for speculation. Today, Bihar’s economy hovers around $130 billion, a mere 3% of India’s GDP. Over 65% of its workforce toils in agriculture, a sector contributing just 18% to its GDP and the intellectuals constantly migrating out of the state in search of opportunities. Industrial output is negligible, at less than 1% nationally, while per capita income languishes at one-third of the national average. With Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat trying hard to become a trillion-dollar economy, will Bihar even try to be one? Bihari migrant workers move to other states for jobs. Bihar has one of the worst GDP to debt ratio comparable to Somalia, Congo and Niger. No one takes Bihar seriously!
A parallel can be drawn between Bihar (a state of India) and California ( a state of USA). California alone is the 5th largest economy of the world, because the best brains all over the world flock there for pursuing their career in Silicon valley. California played a significant role in the United States’ rise to superpower status through its booming economy, and contributions to technological innovation and global supply chains. On the other hand, the best Brains of Bihar constantly migrating to other parts of India and the world because of lack of opportunities and unfriendly technological innovation environment of the state.
Defence projects and military contracting played a pivotal role in driving California’s economic and technological growth, particularly in areas like Aerospace, Technology, and Manufacturing. These projects fuelled innovation, created skilled jobs, and generated substantial tax revenue, contributing significantly to the state’s economic prosperity. In same manner if the government of India consciously work around developing Bihar through Defence Technology and Production initiatives, Bihar will attract more talent from other states besides bringing its own talent people spread all over world and looking to return back. As the new international order reaches an inflection point, it is high time India look towards Bihar for tapping the hidden potential to become a declared superpower by 2047.
