Stanford, California: India's Viksit Bharat ambition to become a high-income economy by 2047 is bold. The economy grew by 7.8% in the April-June quarter. But that result is also a warning: 7.8% is the average rate World Bank estimates India must sustain for more than 2 decades to achieve its ambition. There is little room for costly distractions.
Regrettably, the promise of Viksit Bharat is threatened by a climate promise to go net zero by 2070. These work at cross-purposes, with one promising Indians more opportunities, the other more costs and lower growth. For India's future good, the immense trade-offs should be recognised.
