Uploaded March 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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India has enormous momentum as it begins 2024. Last year, its population surpassed China’s, making it the most populous country in the world. It is also forecasted to soon become the world’s third-largest economy, overtaking Japan in the next few years. Leading this incredible growth is the country’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, who is expected to win a third term in office this spring. Paired with this dynamism, however, is Modi’s assault on democracy, which some warn will ultimately hinder India’s rise.

Foreign Affairs Editor Daniel Kurtz-Phelan marks the launch of the March/April issue with a discussion of India’s future with Alyssa Ayres, Pratap Bhanu Mehta, and Ashley Tellis.

This event originally aired on March 4, 2024.

Additional Resources:

“How Biden Can Bolster India’s Democracy,” by Alyssa Ayres
foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2021-07-26/how-biden-can-bolster-indias-democracy

“India’s Feet of Clay,” by Ramachandra Guha
foreignaffairs.com/india/indias-feet-clay-modi

“Modi Pushes India Into Revolt,” by Pratap Bhanu Mehta
foreignaffairs.com/articles/india/2019-12-20/modi-pushes-india-revolt

“America’s Bad Bet on India,” by Ashley J. Tellis
foreignaffairs.com/india/americas-bad-bet-india-modi

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