US Ambassador to India Richard R. Verma said in September that by 2030, India will lead the world in key categories, including by becoming the third largest economy. “The great promise in our (India-US) partnership lies not only in our work together, but also in India’s rising influence and confidence on the global stage, which of course is generated from strength here at home,” Verma, who is of Indian origin, said while delivering the 17th Annual Justice Bodh Raj Sawhney Memorial Trust Oration at the National Law University in Delhi. 

“By 2030 - less than 15 years from now - India will lead the world in key categories: it will be the most populous nation, with the largest middle class, the largest number of college graduates, the third largest economy, the most patent holders, and most mega-cities,” he said speaking on the theme of “Advancing our Shared Values”. 

“You will lead the world in internet and smart phone users. Development and infrastructure growth will be phenomenal, just imagine how much will change given that two-thirds of the infrastructure and cities of modern India are yet to be built”. 

Speaking on India-US ties, he said that the relationship has been “on a strong trajectory for the past decade, has made great strides in the past two years in particular”. “Our two leaders, Prime Minister Modi and President Obama have met eight times, including last week in China and then again in Laos,” he stated. “We have well over 100 initiatives that were launched in three big bilateral summits and there are nearly 40 Government-to-Government working groups that meet regularly on everything from global health and defense to cyber security.” Citing the reasons for the growth in ties between the two sides, one was the “certain chemistry between our two leaders, that’s for sure”.