Explained: 5 reasons why NYT op-ed is saying it's 'India's century'
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India’s potential rise as a global power in the 21st century is gaining attention, with some experts suggesting it could be “India’s century.” This perspective challenges the traditional narrative of U.S.-China rivalry and emphasizes India’s unique strengths. According to international relations scholar Amitav Acharya, India’s growing economy, demographic advantage, and strategic independence position it as a key player in shaping the global order.
One key idea is India’s role as a “third pole” of power, distinct from both the U.S. and China. Unlike other nations, India isn’t aligning fully with either major bloc but instead acting as its own gravitational force. As a top-three economy, a strategic power in the Indian Ocean region, and a demographic heavyweight, India is emerging as a diplomatic swing state that engages with global powers without forming formal alliances.
India’s economic growth outpaces China’s, albeit from a lower base, and its democratic system remains intact despite challenges like job creation and education reform. With a rapidly growing working-age population, India is entering a “demographic dividend” phase, where a large labor force could drive economic growth. However, without investments in job creation, skill development, and integration into global supply chains, this advantage could be lost.
India’s strategic independence, or “multi-alignment,” allows it to maintain ties with the U.S., engage with Russia, and deepen trade with Europe while preserving its autonomy. This balancing act works as long as major powers tolerate flexibility, though tensions could arise if Washington demands countries take sides in its rivalry with China.
Finally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has leveraged India’s diaspora, particularly in the U.S., to enhance global influence. While Indian Americans have achieved prominence in tech and politics, their success has also sparked backlash due to rising populism. Acharya argues that this resentment reflects broader anti-immigrant sentiment rather than direct job displacement, highlighting the complex role of India’s diaspora in shaping its international image
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026