As the UK’s Duke and Duchess of Cambridge set off for a week-long tour of India, it’s clear the world’s largest democracy remains a country on the rise.
The country of extremes is now a country in transition.
With growth of 7.5% in 2015, India now has the world’s fastest-growing economy.
And while tourism hasn’t grown in tandem, India is home to the fastest-growing aviation sector — not to mention the number one hotel in the world, according to TripAdvisor.
Air giant Etihad has partnered with India’s Jet Airways, hoping to capitalize on the profitable airspace, and GE has been manufacturing there for some time.
Auto companies like Ford and Mercedes have set up shop.
Even so, government regulations hinder both domestic and international operations, making it a sometimes difficult place to do business.
And from a development standpoint — with 300 million people living without electricity — India has a long way to go.
If India’s going to rise economically, it’ll need strong partners.
Modernizing India will require more than just good wishes and fine words.
It will take lining up behind what India needs, not just demanding open markets and for barriers to come down.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been at the helm of pushing reforms that would end these long-standing obstructions to commerce in India. However, change has not been swift or easy.
