Is India Developed or Developing country

When it comes to figuring out whether India is a developed or developing country, the answer isn’t black and white. India is like a work-in-progress, showing both signs of growth in some areas and some areas still catching up. With its booming economy, growing cities, and tech innovations, India certainly has the spark of a developed country. But, challenges like uneven development and infrastructure issues remind us that it’s still on its journey to becoming fully developed. Let us find out How India which is still developing can become fully developed.

Table of Contents

Developed vs Developing Country: Let us understand difference

A Country is characterized by few parameters. Developed countries rank high in those parameters and poor countries rank low in it. If we talk about India, it lies somewhere in between the two. Let us discuss those parameters first :

GDP per Capita

What It Is: This is the average amount of money each person in the country earns from economic activities.
What It Means: In developed countries, this number is pretty high, meaning people generally enjoy a good standard of living. In US its 70,000$, Germany its above 40,000$ but in Developing country like India its 3000$.

Infrastructure

What It Is: This includes things like roads, bridges, communication networks, and utilities.
What It Means: Developed countries have solid infrastructure that makes everyday life run smoothly, from reliable transport to consistent electricity and water. In Developing countries Infrastructure such as transportation, communication networks, and utilities may be underdeveloped or inadequate, impacting daily life and economic activities

Healthcare

What It Is: Healthcare is about how good and accessible medical services are.
What It Means: In developed countries, you’ll find fantastic medical facilities, high life expectancy, and low infant mortality rates, making sure everyone gets the care they need. In Developing countries access to quality healthcare can be limited, with challenges like lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality rates, and fewer advanced medical facilities

Education

What It Is: This covers how well and widely education is provided.
What It Means: Developed countries have high literacy rates and offer good education from primary school to college, reflecting a strong commitment to learning. In Developing countries education systems struggle with issues like low literacy rates, insufficient school resources, and limited access to higher education opportunities.

Human Development Index (HDI)

What It Is: HDI looks at how well a country is doing in health, education, and income.
What It Means: Developed countries score high here, showing they’re doing well in improving people’s quality of life. Developing countries typically have a lower gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, indicating a lower average income and standard of living compared to developed nations. Developing countries often have a lower HDI, reflecting lower achievements in health, education, and income compared to developed countries.

Technological Advancement

What It Is: This is about how much new tech is used and developed.
What It Means: Developed countries are usually at the cutting edge of technology, which helps boost their economies and quality of life. In Developing countries technological innovation and industrialization are usually in earlier stages, with economies often relying on agriculture or low-tech industries.

Industrialization

What It Is: This refers to how much a country relies on industry and services.
What It Means: In developed countries, the economy is often more focused on services, but there’s still a lot of industrial activity. Developing countries are in the process of industrialization, shifting from agriculture to manufacturing. This growth phase often brings both opportunities and challenges like urbanization and infrastructure development.

Where Does India Stand ?

India’s journey on the road to becoming a developed country is full of both challenges and opportunities. Let’s break down where India stands on some key indicators:

GDP per Person: India’s GDP per capita is around $2,388 USD as of 2023. This number shows we’re still in the developing category, especially compared to countries where this number is over $40,000 USD.

Infrastructure: Big strides have been made in India’s infrastructure, especially with projects like the Smart Cities Mission and expanding highways and railways. However, some rural areas still need better roads, electricity, and basic amenities.
Healthcare: The healthcare scene in India has seen some solid improvements, especially in big cities with modern hospitals and services. But when we look at the numbers, India spends about 3% of its GDP on healthcare, whereas developed countries usually spend about 10% or more.

Education: India’s literacy rate is around 77.7%, according to the 2021 data from the National Statistical Office. This is decent but still behind developed countries that often have literacy rates near 99%. The challenge is not just about getting kids in school but also making sure education is of good quality and available everywhere.

Human Development Index (HDI): India ranks 132nd out of 191 countries on the HDI scale with a score of 0.633. This puts us in the medium human development category, showing there’s progress, but still a long way to go to catch up with developed countries.
Tech Advancements: India’s tech game is strong, especially in IT and space exploration. But when it comes to internet access, about 50% of people are connected, showing a digital divide, especially in rural areas.

Industrial Growth: India is moving from being an agriculture-based economy to one that’s more about industry and services. The service sector is a big part of our GDP, making up over 55%, while industry makes up about 25%. Still, nearly 43% of the workforce is in agriculture, highlighting a mix of old and new economic activities.

Ongoing Social Issues in India

Let’s talk about some social issues India is grappling with today:

Poverty: Even though India’s economy has grown, poverty is still a big problem. The World Bank reports that about 10% of India’s population still lives below the poverty line. That’s a lot of people struggling to make ends meet.
Inequality: There’s a big gap between the rich and the poor in India. The top 10% of the population holds a massive chunk of the country’s wealth, leaving the rest with a smaller piece of the pie. This inequality is a serious issue that needs more attention.
Access to Basic Services: Many people in rural and remote areas still don’t have access to essential services like healthcare, education, and clean water. While there are efforts to improve this, there’s still a long way to go to ensure everyone gets these basic necessities.

Government Policies and International Relations

India’s government has rolled out several programs to address these issues and push the country forward. Here’s a quick look:

Make in India: Launched in 2014, this initiative aims to turn India into a global manufacturing powerhouse by encouraging companies to set up shop here. It’s all about boosting the economy and creating jobs.
Digital India: This program focuses on making government services accessible online by enhancing digital infrastructure and increasing internet access. It’s about bringing India into the digital age and making things easier for everyone.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Also launched in 2014, this campaign is all about cleaning up India—its streets, roads, and infrastructure. It’s not just about looks; it’s about better sanitation and waste management.
Ayushman Bharat: This is a health initiative aimed at providing free health coverage for over 100 million vulnerable families, ensuring they get the medical care they need without worrying about the cost.
Skill India: Started in 2015, this initiative aims to train over 400 million people in various skills by 2022. The idea is to create a skilled workforce ready for the future.

International Relations: India is also working hard on its global relationships, strengthening ties with neighbors and major global powers. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and participation in forums like BRICS and the G20 show India’s growing influence and role on the world stage.

In short, India is a mix of both developing and rapidly emerging economy traits. We’re making progress, but there’s still a way to go before we can fully join the ranks of the world’s developed nations.