India's Role in Global Governance @2047: Bridging Aspirations and Realities

Abstract

This research paper examines India’s trajectory toward becoming a major player in global governance by 2047, marking the centenary of its independence. Drawing on the Vision India@2047 initiative, which targets a $30–40 trillion economy and developed nation status, the study analyzes India’s evolving influence across key domains: multilateral institutions, climate governance, technology regulation, and Global South representation. The paper investigates India’s persistent advocacy for UN Security Council reform, its strategic positioning through multi-alignment foreign policy, and its unique role as a democratic developmental model bridging North–South divides. Through scenario analysis, the research identifies critical enablers and constraints shaping India’s global governance role, including domestic developmental imperatives, geopolitical competition between the US and China, institutional reform resistance, and the dual challenge of economic growth with climate commitments. The paper argues that while India’s demographic dividend, democratic credentials, and strategic geography position it favorably, achieving transformative global governance influence requires sustained economic reforms, institutional excellence, climate leadership, and strategic clarity on multilateral engagement. The study concludes that by 2047, India will most likely emerge as a “leading power” in a multipolar world order—wielding significant but not determining influence in shaping international norms and institutions. This represents substantial progress from its current status as a system-influencing state, positioning India to meaningfully reform global governance architecture toward greater equity and representation, though falling short of sole superpower status. The research contributes to understanding how large democratic developing nations can simultaneously pursue development and reshape international order in the 21st century.

Keywords: India 2047, global governance, UN Security Council reform, multilateralism, Global South, climate leadership, multipolarity, Viksit Bharat, emerging powers, international institutions