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India's Inevitable Rise as Global Powerhouse, Says Ex-New Zealand PM

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark states that India's sheer size and fast-growing economy make its emergence as a global powerhouse inevitable. She highlights the recent free trade agreement between New Zealand and India as a significant opportunity for exporters to access the vast Indian market. Clark notes that global trade is evolving beyond recent US tariff disruptions, with blocs like the CPTPP creating new opportunities. She expresses a desire for India to become more closely integrated with these major global trade frameworks in the future.

Key Points: Ex-NZ PM Helen Clark: India's Growth Makes It Global Powerhouse

  • India's economic scale makes global rise inevitable
  • NZ-India FTA a major opportunity for exporters
  • Global trade evolving beyond US disruptions
  • CPTPP and other blocs creating new opportunities
  • India urged to link closer with global trade frameworks
2 min read

India's growth story makes it a natural global powerhouse: New Zealand's Ex-PM

Former New Zealand PM Helen Clark says India's size and rapid economic growth make its rise as a top global economy unavoidable, highlighting a new trade deal.

"India's strength is visible not only in traditional sectors but also at the highest levels of technology. - Helen Clark"

New Delhi, Jan 19

India's sheer size and fast-growing economy make it inevitable that the country will emerge as one of the world's largest economies, former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said on Monday.

Speaking to IANS on the sideline of World Economic Forum Davos 2026, Clark said the rapid growth in India's GDP and the scale of its economy make its rise on the global stage unavoidable.

"India's strength is visible not only in traditional sectors but also at the highest levels of technology, making it an increasingly attractive partner for global trade," she added.

Clark said New Zealand has recently concluded a free trade agreement with India, which has generated significant excitement back home.

She described the agreement as a major opportunity for New Zealand exporters, as it provides better access to the vast and fast-expanding Indian market.

"The deal is very significant and is expected to deepen economic ties between the two countries at a rapid pace," Clark mentioned.

Commenting on global trade conditions, Clark said recent tariff-related policies of the United States have been disruptive.

However, she pointed out that the US accounts for only about 13 per cent of global trade, leaving the remaining 87 per cent of the world free to explore and strengthen alternative trade relationships.

She highlighted the growing importance of trade groupings beyond the US, noting that New Zealand is part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

She added that the European Union has shown interest in joining the bloc, while the United Kingdom is already a member.

"Stronger links between such large markets could create major new trade opportunities," she explained.

Clark also said she would like to see India become more closely linked with these global trade frameworks in the future.

She stressed that there is a vast world of trade beyond the United States and that global commerce continues to evolve despite current disruptions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good to hear such positive views from a global leader. However, I hope this growth story reaches every corner of India. We must ensure that prosperity is inclusive and creates jobs in manufacturing, not just services. The focus should be on 'Make in India' for the world.
R
Rohit P
Clark is absolutely right about the 87% of global trade beyond the US. This is where our foreign policy should focus. We need to be at the heart of new trade blocs like CPTPP. More FTAs mean more choices for our exporters and cheaper goods for our people. Win-win!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the tech sector, I see this every day. The world relies on Indian IT. But being a 'powerhouse' also means taking global leadership on issues like climate change and digital governance. Our growth must be sustainable.
V
Vikram M
While the praise is welcome, we must be cautious. A trade agreement is good, but what are we getting from New Zealand? Mostly dairy and agriculture. We need to protect our farmers. Growth is important, but not at the cost of our annadata (food providers).
K
Karthik V
The sheer scale of our domestic market is our biggest strength. Before being a global powerhouse, we need to be a consumption powerhouse. Increase the purchasing power of our middle and lower classes. That itself will drive unprecedented growth. 🚀

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