History of India in Timeline
India, situated in South Asia, is the world's seventh-largest country by area and the most populous nation globally, as of June 2023. Maintaining its status as the world's most populous democracy since its independence in 1947, India is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south, the Arabian Sea to the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal to the southeast. Its land borders are shared with Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. Furthermore, India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a maritime border with Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia, placing it in proximity to Sri Lanka and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
1900: Decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation
Around 1900 BCE, the Indus Valley Civilisation, known for its urban centers like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, declined, marking a significant shift in South Asian history.
1901: Beginning of Temperature Measurements for Climate Change Analysis
In 1901, systematic recordings of temperature began in India, marking the start of a long-term analysis of climate change in the country.
1911: Limited Access to Primary Education
In 1911, access to primary education in India was severely limited, with fewer than three primary schools for every ten villages. This scarcity contributed to low literacy rates.
1921: Literacy Rate in India (1921)
The year 1921 saw literacy rates in India at 7% overall, with 12% for men and a mere 2% for women.
1928: Discovery of the "Pashupati" Seal
The "Pashupati" seal, one of the most significant findings from the Indus Valley Civilization, was unearthed in Mohenjo-daro, Pakistan, between 1928 and 1929.
1935: Establishment of National Parks and Protected Areas
In 1935, India took the significant step of establishing a system of national parks and protected areas to conserve its diverse wildlife, a crucial step towards environmental protection.
1947: Independence and the World's Most Populous Democracy
A pivotal year for India, 1947 marked its independence and its establishment as the world's most populous democracy.
1947: Indian Independence and the Aftermath of Partition
Following World War II, India achieved independence in 1947, but the partition led to the creation of India and Pakistan, resulting in significant social and political upheaval.
1947: Partition of India
In 1947, the British Indian Empire was partitioned into two separate dominions, India and Pakistan, leading to significant displacement and loss of life.
1947: First Indo-Pakistani War over Kashmir
Shortly after independence, in 1947, India and Pakistan engaged in their first war over the disputed territory of Kashmir.
1947: The Rise of Punjabi Cuisine
Following the 1947 partition of India, there was a surge in the popularity of tandoori chicken, particularly notable in the 1950s. This culinary trend was largely driven by entrepreneurial ventures among displaced Punjabis.
January 1950: Indian Constitution Comes into Effect, Establishing a Sovereign Democratic Republic
January 1950 marked the formal enactment of the Indian Constitution, laying the groundwork for a "sovereign, democratic republic."
1950: Abolition of Untouchability in India
A pivotal moment in India's social history arrived in 1950 when the nation formally abolished untouchability with the adoption of its constitution.
1950: India Becomes a Republic with a Multi-party System
A pivotal moment in Indian history arrived in 1950 when the nation became a republic, adopting a multi-party system, a key characteristic of its democratic framework.
1950: India Becomes a Federal Republic
In 1950, India adopted its constitution and transitioned into a federal republic with a democratic parliamentary system of governance.
1950: India's Constitution and Commonwealth Membership
In 1950, India's constitution was finalized, establishing a secular and democratic republic, and it retained its membership in the Commonwealth, becoming the first republic to do so.
1951: Asian Games in India
India hosted the Asian Games in 1951, marking the country's involvement in international sporting events.
1951: India's First Post-Colonial Census
India's first post-colonial census, conducted in 1951, recorded a population of 361 million people.
1951: First General Elections of the Republic of India
In 1951, the newly formed Republic of India held its first general elections, marking a significant milestone in its journey as a democratic nation.
1951: India's Population and Economic Baseline
In 1951, India's population was recorded at 361 million, with a nominal per capita income of US$64 annually and a literacy rate of 16.6%, establishing key metrics for its development trajectory.
1951: Literacy Rate in India (1951)
In 1951, India's literacy rates were 18% overall, 27% for men, and 9% for women.
1956: States Reorganisation Act: Reorganisation of States Based on Linguistic Basis
The year 1956 witnessed a major administrative restructuring with the enactment of the States Reorganisation Act, leading to the redrawing of state boundaries based on linguistic demographics.
1957: Second General Elections in Post-Independence India
India held its second general elections in 1957, reaffirming its commitment to democracy and allowing citizens to exercise their voting rights.
1957: Jawaharlal Nehru's Re-election for a Second Term
The year 1957 saw Jawaharlal Nehru becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to be re-elected for a consecutive five-year term.
1959: Dawn of Television Broadcasting in India
The year 1959 marked the beginning of television broadcasting in India, initially introduced as a state-controlled medium of communication.
1962: Sino-Indian War
In 1962, India engaged in a border war with China, leading to a significant impact on the relationship between the two nations.
1962: Jawaharlal Nehru's Third Term as Prime Minister
Jawaharlal Nehru secured his third consecutive term as the Prime Minister of India in 1962, a testament to his leadership during the formative years of the nation.
1962: Third General Elections Held in India
The year 1962 saw the successful completion of India's third general elections, reinforcing the country's commitment to democratic processes.
1964: Jawaharlal Nehru's Death and Lal Bahadur Shastri's Brief Prime Ministership
The year 1964 brought a significant change in Indian leadership with the passing of Jawaharlal Nehru, followed by Lal Bahadur Shastri's brief tenure as Prime Minister.
1964: China's Nuclear Test
In 1964, China conducted its first nuclear weapons test, a development that significantly influenced India's security concerns and ultimately its decision to pursue nuclear capabilities.
1965: China's Threats and the 1965 War
China's threats to intervene in support of Pakistan during the 1965 war further heightened India's security concerns, solidifying its resolve to develop nuclear weapons as a deterrent.
1965: Second Indo-Pakistani War
In 1965, India and Pakistan once again clashed militarily, marking the second war between the two nations.
1966: Lal Bahadur Shastri's Death and Indira Gandhi's Rise to Power
Following Lal Bahadur Shastri's unexpected death in 1966, Indira Gandhi, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, assumed the position of Prime Minister.
1967: India Repels Chinese Attack
Following the 1962 war, India successfully repelled another military advance by China in 1967.
1967: Indira Gandhi Leads Congress to Victory in General Elections
In 1967, Indira Gandhi, leading the Congress party, secured victory in the general elections, further solidifying her position in Indian politics.
1971: Amendment to the Indian Constitution: Embracing Socialism, Secularism, and Democracy
In 1971, India's Constitution underwent a significant amendment, incorporating the terms "socialist, secular, democratic" to further define its republican identity.
1971: Congress Party Wins General Elections Under Indira Gandhi
The year 1971 witnessed the Congress party, led by Indira Gandhi, securing victory in the general elections.
1971: Third Indo-Pakistani War
The year 1971 witnessed the eruption of the third war between India and Pakistan, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh.
1972: Enactment of Wildlife Protection Act and Project Tiger
India took a bold step in 1972 by enacting the Wildlife Protection Act and launching Project Tiger, aiming to protect endangered species and crucial wilderness areas.
1974: India's First Nuclear Test
In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear weapons test, demonstrating its nuclear capabilities to the world. This test was a significant event in India's history and had major geopolitical implications.
1975: Indira Gandhi Declares State of Emergency in India
A significant event in Indian politics occurred in 1975 when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency.
1977: Congress Voted Out, Janata Party Assumes Power
Public discontent with the 1975 state of emergency led to the Congress party's defeat in the 1977 elections, paving the way for the Janata Party to form the government.
1978: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India
India hosted the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 1978.
1980: Congress Returns to Power in Indian General Elections
The 1980 general elections witnessed the return of the Congress party to power in India.
1980: Implementation of Forest Conservation Act
The year 1980 marked a crucial step in India's environmental protection efforts with the enactment of the Forest Conservation Act, aiming to safeguard forest resources.
1981: Literacy Rate in India (1981)
By 1981, India had made progress in literacy, with rates at 41% overall, 53% for men, and 29% for women.
1981: Decline in Poverty in India
The proportion of India's population living below the World Bank's international poverty line decreased significantly from 60% in 1981 to 42% in 2005.
1982: Asian Games in India
India once again hosted the Asian Games in 1982.
1983: India's First Cricket World Cup Triumph
India achieved a historic victory in 1983 by winning the Cricket World Cup for the first time.
1984: Indira Gandhi Assassinated, Rajiv Gandhi Becomes Prime Minister
The assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984 led to her son, Rajiv Gandhi, succeeding her as Prime Minister and subsequently winning the general elections.
1984: Congress Wins Landslide Victory Under Rajiv Gandhi
In 1984, the Congress party, led by Rajiv Gandhi, achieved a landslide victory in the general elections, securing a historic majority in the parliament.
1985: India's World Championship of Cricket Victory
India emerged victorious in the only edition of the World Championship of Cricket held in 1985.
1985: South Asian Games in India
India hosted the South Asian Games in 1985.
1985: Poverty Reduction in India
Since 1985, an estimated 431 million people in India have been lifted out of poverty, marking a significant achievement in the country's fight against poverty and highlighting the positive impact of economic growth and social policies.
1985: Base Year for Trade Comparison
The year 1985 serves as a base year for comparison, highlighting the significant growth in India's external trade, which increased from 6% of GDP to 24% by 2006, underscoring the country's successful integration into the global economy.
1987: Indian Peacekeeping Force Deployed to Sri Lanka
In 1987, India deployed its peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka in an effort to mediate the Sri Lankan Civil War.
1987: ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India
India hosted the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 1987.
1988: Amendments Added to the Forest Conservation Act
In 1988, India strengthened its commitment to environmental protection by introducing amendments to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, further refining its conservation policies.
1988: India Intervenes to Prevent Coup in the Maldives
In 1988, India undertook a military intervention in the Maldives to thwart an attempted coup d'état.
1989: National Front Coalition Wins Elections, Ending Congress Rule
The year 1989 marked the end of Congress rule as the National Front coalition, led by Janata Dal, won the elections and formed the government.
1990: Withdrawal of Indian Peacekeeping Force from Sri Lanka
The year 1990 saw the withdrawal of the Indian Peacekeeping Force from Sri Lanka after a three-year deployment.
1990: Men's Asia Cup in India
India hosted the Men's Asia Cup in 1990.
1991: India's Urbanization and Literacy Trends
Between 1991 and 2001, India witnessed a substantial 31.2% increase in its urban population. Despite this growth, over 70% of the population still resided in rural areas in 2001.
1991: India's Economic Liberalization
Faced with a severe balance of payments crisis in 1991, India initiated economic liberalization reforms, moving away from socialist policies towards a more open market-oriented system. This pivotal change marked a turning point in India's economic trajectory.
1991: Congress Forms Minority Government Led by P.V. Narasimha Rao
In 1991, despite no party winning an absolute majority, the Congress party, as the largest single party, formed a minority government under the leadership of P. V. Narasimha Rao.
1991: India's Population Growth
India's population grew by 17.64% between 2001 and 2011, a slower rate compared to the 21.54% growth observed in the previous decade (1991-2001).
1991: Growing Economic Disparity Among Indian States
Since 1991, India has experienced a consistent increase in economic inequality between its states. By 2007, the per-capita net state domestic product of the wealthiest states was 3.2 times greater than that of the poorest states.
1991: Start of Economic Liberalization and GDP Growth
Since the initiation of economic liberalization in 1991, India's nominal GDP per capita has seen a steady rise from US$308, reflecting the positive impact of economic reforms on individual income levels.
January 1995: India Joins World Trade Organization
India joined the World Trade Organization in January 1995, marking a crucial step in its integration into the global economy and its shift towards liberalization after decades of protectionist policies.
1996: ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India
India hosted the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 1996.
1996: Two-Year Period of Political Turmoil and Short-Lived Alliances
The aftermath of the 1996 general election witnessed a turbulent two-year period in Indian politics, marked by short-lived alliances vying for power at the center.
1997: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India
India hosted the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 1997.
1998: India's Underground Nuclear Tests
India carried out further underground nuclear tests in 1998, reaffirming its nuclear capabilities and signaling its determination to remain outside of international treaties it deemed unfair.
1998: BJP Forms First Non-Congress Coalition Government to Complete a Full Term
The year 1998 saw the BJP successfully forming the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which became the first non-Congress coalition government to complete a full five-year term.
1999: Kargil War Between India and Pakistan
The Kargil War, an armed conflict between India and Pakistan, took place in 1999, centered around the disputed region of Kargil.
2000: Transition to the Iron Age and the Emergence of Vedic Culture
Between 2000 and 500 BCE, many parts of India transitioned to the Iron Age, coinciding with the composition of the Vedas and the emergence of Vedic culture in the northern regions.
2000: Viswanathan Anand's Chess World Cup Victory
Viswanathan Anand triumphed in the Chess World Cup in 2000, a feat he would repeat in 2002.
2001: Child Labor in India
According to the 2011 census, India had 10.1 million child laborers, indicating a decrease of 2.6 million from the 12.6 million reported in 2001.
2001: India's Urbanization and Literacy Trends
Between 1991 and 2001, India witnessed a substantial 31.2% increase in its urban population. Despite this growth, over 70% of the population still resided in rural areas in 2001. The rural-urban literacy gap, which stood at 21.2 percentage points in 2001, narrowed to 16.1 percentage points in 2011. Notably, the improvement in the rural literacy rate was double that observed in urban areas.
2001: Growth in Petrochemical and Engineering Exports (2001-2011)
Between 2001 and 2011, the contribution of petrochemical and engineering goods to India's total exports saw significant growth, rising from 14% to 42%, reflecting the country's increasing capabilities in these sectors.
2001: India's Population Growth
India's population grew by 17.64% between 2001 and 2011, a slower rate compared to the 21.54% growth observed in the previous decade (1991-2001).
2002: Viswanathan Anand's Second Chess World Cup Win
Viswanathan Anand secured his second Chess World Cup victory in 2002.
2002: India's First Champions Trophy Win
India secured their first Champions Trophy victory in 2002.
2002: Chess World Cup in India
India hosted the Chess World Cup in 2002.
2003: Afro-Asian Games in India
India hosted the Afro-Asian Games in 2003.
2004: Congress Forms United Progressive Alliance Coalition Government
In 2004, the Congress party emerged as the largest party and formed the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition government with support from left-leaning parties.
2005: Decline in Poverty in India
The proportion of India's population living below the World Bank's international poverty line decreased significantly from 60% in 1981 to 42% in 2005.
2006: Growth in India's External Trade
By 2006, the contribution of external trade to India's GDP had risen to 24%, a considerable increase from 6% in 1985, reflecting the positive impact of liberalization policies on India's international trade engagements.
2006: India and Global Poverty
In 2006, India had the highest number of people living below the World Bank's international poverty line of US$1.25 per day.
2006: ICC Cricket Champion's Trophy in India
India hosted the ICC Cricket Champion's Trophy in 2006.
2007: Viswanathan Anand Becomes Chess World Champion
Viswanathan Anand etched his name in chess history by becoming the Chess World Champion in 2007, a title he held onto until 2013.
2007: Growing Economic Disparity Among Indian States
Since 1991, India has experienced a consistent increase in economic inequality between its states. By 2007, the per-capita net state domestic product of the wealthiest states was 3.2 times greater than that of the poorest states.
2007: India's Inaugural T20 World Cup Championship
India emerged as champions in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.
2007: India's Economic Growth and Rising Wages
In the years leading up to 2007, India experienced a period of robust economic growth, averaging 7.5% annually. This growth was accompanied by a significant increase in hourly wage rates, more than doubling during the first decade of the 21st century, indicating improvements in living standards.
2008: India-US Civilian Nuclear Agreement
In 2008, India and the United States signed a landmark civilian nuclear agreement, granting India access to nuclear technology and commerce despite not being a signatory of the NPT, effectively recognizing India as a de facto nuclear weapons state.
2008: India's Share of World Trade
In 2008, India held a 1.7% share of world trade, reflecting its growing presence in the global marketplace, though still indicating significant potential for further expansion in international trade.
2008: Surge in Indian Automotive Exports
India's automotive industry witnessed a remarkable 36% growth in exports from 2008 to 2009.
2009: India as an Outsourcing Destination
By 2009, India had become a global hub for information technology outsourcing, hosting seven of the world's top 15 IT outsourcing companies. It was recognized as the second-most favored outsourcing destination globally, following the United States.
2009: World Badminton Championships in India
India hosted the World Badminton Championships in 2009.
2009: UPA Returns to Power with Increased Majority
The 2009 general election saw the UPA returning to power with an increased majority, eliminating the need for external support from communist parties.
2009: Growth of the Indian Automotive Industry
The Indian automotive industry experienced a substantial 26% increase in domestic sales between 2009 and 2010.
2010: Growth of the Indian Automotive Industry
The Indian automotive industry experienced a substantial 26% increase in domestic sales between 2009 and 2010.
2010: GDP Per Capita Growth
By 2010, India's nominal GDP per capita reached US$1,380, marking a significant increase from US$308 in 1991, demonstrating the country's progress in raising living standards since the implementation of market-oriented reforms.
2010: Hockey World Cup and Commonwealth Games in India
India hosted both the Hockey World Cup and the Commonwealth Games in 2010.
2010: India's Global Competitiveness Ranking
As of 2010, India was ranked 68th in global competitiveness. However, it showed strengths in specific areas, ranking 17th in financial market sophistication, 24th in the banking sector, 44th in business sophistication, and 39th in innovation, outperforming several developed economies in these aspects.
2011: Revised Poverty Line and India
Under the World Bank's revised poverty line, the proportion of India's population living in poverty was 21% in 2011.
2011: End of Export Growth Analysis Period
The year 2011 marked the end of the analysis period for the notable growth in India's petrochemical and engineering exports, which increased their share from 14% to 42% since 2001, underscoring the successful development of these industries.
2011: Religious Demographics of India
The 2011 census shed light on India's religious composition, with Hinduism emerging as the most followed religion, representing 79.80% of the population. Islam constituted the second-largest religious group, accounting for 14.23% of the population. Other religious communities included Christianity (2.30%), Sikhism (1.72%), Buddhism (0.70%), Jainism (0.36%), and other faiths (0.9%).
2011: India's Urbanization and Literacy Trends
The 2011 Census revealed that India's urbanization continued to rise, with the level of urbanization reaching 31.16%, up from 27.81% recorded in the 2001 Census. The slowing down of the overall population growth rate was attributed to the significant decline in the growth rate in rural areas since 1991. According to the 2011 census, there are 53 million-plus urban agglomerations in India; among them Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, in decreasing order by population. The literacy rate in 2011 was 74.04%: 65.46% among females and 82.14% among males. The rural-urban literacy gap, which stood at 21.2 percentage points in 2001, narrowed to 16.1 percentage points in 2011. Notably, the improvement in the rural literacy rate was double that observed in urban areas.
2011: India's Population Growth
India's population continued to grow, reaching 1,210,193,422 according to the provisional 2011 census report.
2011: ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India
India hosted the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2011.
2011: India's Second Cricket World Cup Victory
India clinched their second Cricket World Cup title in 2011.
2011: Literacy Rate in India (2011)
In 2011, India's literacy rate reached approximately 73%, with a notable gender gap: 81% for men and 65% for women.
2011: India's Official Defence Budget
In 2011, India allocated US$36.03 billion, or 1.83% of its GDP, to its defense budget, reflecting the country's commitment to military spending for national security.
2011: India's Economic Growth (2011-2012)
During 2011-2012, India experienced an impressive economic growth rate of 6.1%, highlighting its rapid economic expansion and its emergence as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies.
2011: Indian IT Industry's Rise
By the end of 2011, the Indian IT industry had emerged as a major force, employing 2.8 million professionals and generating nearly US$100 billion in revenue, representing 7.5% of India's GDP and 26% of its merchandise exports.
2011: Child Labor in India
According to the 2011 census, India had 10.1 million child laborers, indicating a decrease of 2.6 million from the 12.6 million reported in 2001.
2011: PwC Report on India's Economic Potential
A 2011 report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) projected that India's GDP at purchasing power parity could surpass that of the United States by 2045, highlighting the country's remarkable growth potential driven by factors such as a young workforce and a growing middle class.
2012: Television's Dominance in India's Media Landscape
By 2012, television had become the most prevalent form of media in India, with industry estimates indicating over 554 million television viewers. Out of these, 462 million had access to satellite or cable connections, surpassing other mass media platforms such as print (350 million), radio (156 million), and the internet (37 million).
2012: Indian Biotech Industry Growth
The Indian biotech industry experienced a significant 15.1% growth in the fiscal year 2012-2013, with revenues increasing from ₹204.4 billion to ₹235.24 billion (equivalent to US$3.94 billion at June 2013 exchange rates).
2012: End of High Growth Period
The year 2012 marked the end of a period of exceptional economic growth for India, with an average annual GDP growth rate of 5.8% over the preceding two decades, demonstrating its potential as a global economic powerhouse.
June 2013: Indian Biotech Industry Growth
The Indian biotech industry experienced a significant 15.1% growth in the fiscal year 2012-2013, with revenues increasing from ₹204.4 billion to ₹235.24 billion (equivalent to US$3.94 billion at June 2013 exchange rates).
2013: Viswanathan Anand's Reign as Chess Champion Ends
Viswanathan Anand's reign as Chess World Champion concluded in 2013.
2013: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India
India hosted the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2013.
2013: India's Textile Exports
During the 2013 calendar year, India emerged as the world's second-largest textile exporter, trailing only behind China, demonstrating its global competitiveness in this labor-intensive industry.
2013: India's Second Champions Trophy Triumph
India achieved their second Champions Trophy win in 2013.
2014: Missing Women in India
By 2014, the number of missing women in India had risen to a staggering 63 million, marking a fourfold increase over the preceding five decades. This trend, outpacing even population growth, represented a substantial 20% of India's female electorate.
2014: Improvement in Corruption Perception in India
India's ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index improved significantly, rising to 78th out of 180 countries in 2018 with a score of 41 out of 100, compared to its 85th position in 2014.
2014: BJP Wins Majority, First Single Party to Govern Since 1984
The 2014 general election witnessed a historic win for the BJP, becoming the first political party since 1984 to secure a majority and govern independently.
2014: Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix Discontinuation
The Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix, first held in late 2011, was removed from the F1 season calendar after 2014.
2015: Malnutrition in India
A 2015 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization revealed that 15% of India's population faced undernourishment, highlighting the challenges of food security.
2016: India's Arms Imports (2016-2020)
Between 2016 and 2020, India solidified its position as the world's second-largest arms importer, accounting for 9.5% of global arms imports, reflecting its ongoing military modernization efforts.
2016: South Asian Games in India
India hosted the South Asian Games in 2016.
May 2017: Launch of South Asia Satellite
In May 2017, India launched the South Asia Satellite, a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at strengthening regional cooperation by providing technological benefits to its neighbors.
2017: Worldwide Cost of Living Report
The 2017 Worldwide Cost of Living Report, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, revealed that four Indian cities - Bangalore (3rd), Mumbai (5th), Chennai (5th), and New Delhi (8th) - were among the world's cheapest cities. The ranking was based on a comparison of over 400 individual prices across 160 products and services.
2017: India Becomes Second-Largest Smartphone Market
In the third quarter of 2017, India surpassed the United States to become the world's second-largest smartphone market, trailing only behind China. This milestone highlighted the rapid growth of India's telecommunications industry, which boasts over 1.2 billion subscribers and contributes 6.5% to the nation's GDP.
2017: FIFA U-17 World Cup in India
India hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017.
2017: India's Labour Force
As of 2017, the Indian labor force stood as the world's second-largest, comprising 522 million workers, highlighting the country's vast human capital and its significance in the global labor market.
October 2018: India-Russia S-400 Deal
India and Russia signed a $5.43 billion deal in October 2018 for the purchase of S-400 Triumf air defense systems, a move indicative of India's focus on modernizing its military and countering regional security threats.
2018: Modern Slavery in India
A 2018 report by the Walk Free Foundation estimated that approximately 8 million people in India were subjected to various forms of modern slavery, including bonded labor, child labor, human trafficking, and forced begging.
2018: Significant Temperature Rise Observed in India Due to Climate Change
By 2018, India witnessed a concerning 0.7 °C (1.3 °F) increase in temperature since 1901, attributed mainly to climate change and its cascading effects on the environment.
2018: Improvement in Corruption Perception in India
India's ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index improved significantly, rising to 78th out of 180 countries in 2018 with a score of 41 out of 100, compared to its 85th position in 2014.
2019: BJP Secures Victory in General Elections
The BJP, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, secured a decisive victory in the 2019 general elections, marking their second consecutive term in power.
2020: India's Median Age
The median age in India reached 28.7 in 2020, reflecting a relatively young population.
2020: End of Arms Import Analysis Period
The year 2020 marked the end of the period analyzed for India's arms imports, during which the country emerged as a major player in the global arms market, driven by its strategic defense priorities.
2021: India's Pharmaceutical Industry: A Global Powerhouse
By 2021, India solidified its position as the world's third-largest pharmaceutical producer, boasting 3,000 pharmaceutical companies and 10,500 manufacturing units. It became the leading producer of generic medicines, supplying 50-60% of global vaccine demand. These achievements contributed US$24.44 billion to India's export revenue, while the domestic pharmaceutical market reached an estimated US$42 billion.
2021: India's Global Trade Rankings
In 2021, India secured its position as the world's ninth-largest importer and sixteenth-largest exporter, demonstrating its significant role in global trade networks and its growing influence on international commerce.
July 2022: Droupadi Murmu Elected as India's 15th President
July 2022 marked a historic event in India with the election of Droupadi Murmu as the country's 15th president.
2022: India's Demographic and Economic Growth
By 2022, India witnessed significant growth, with its population reaching nearly 1.4 billion, its nominal per capita income rising to US$2,601, and its literacy rate increasing to 74%, demonstrating substantial progress.
2022: India Becomes Third-Largest Vehicle Market
In 2022, India achieved a significant milestone by becoming the world's third-largest vehicle market, surpassing Japan and trailing only China and the United States.
2022: Record Foreign Exchange Remittances
In 2022, India received a record US$100 billion in foreign exchange remittances, the highest globally, largely attributed to the contributions of around 32 million Indians working abroad, underscoring their significant contribution to the Indian economy.
2022: Increased Defense Expenditure
In 2022, India's defense expenditure rose to US$70.12 billion, a 9.8% increase from the preceding fiscal year, highlighting the country's growing emphasis on strengthening its military capabilities amid regional security concerns.
June 2023: India's Population Milestone
As of June 2023, India became the most populous country globally, marking a significant demographic event.
2023: ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India
India hosted the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023.
2023: R Praggnanandhaa's Chess World Cup Performance
Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa delivered a remarkable performance in the 2023 Chess World Cup, finishing as the runner-up.
2023: India's Population Growth
With an estimated population of 1,428,627,663 in 2023, India became the world's most populous country.
2023: India's Ranking in the Global Innovation Index
In 2023, India achieved a ranking of 40th in the Global Innovation Index, reflecting its growing capabilities in innovation and technological advancement.
2024: Estimated GDP Per Capita
In 2024, India's nominal GDP per capita was estimated at US$2,731, continuing its upward trajectory but still trailing behind other developing economies in Asia, indicating the need for sustained and inclusive economic growth.
2024: India's Economic Performance in 2024
In 2024, the Indian economy reached a nominal GDP of $3.94 trillion, making it the fifth-largest globally by market exchange rates, and the third-largest by purchasing power parity, standing at $15.0 trillion, showcasing its growing economic weight.
2025: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India (Future)
India is scheduled to host the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2025.
2026: ICC Men's Cricket T20 World Cup in India (Future)
India is slated to host the ICC Men's Cricket T20 World Cup in 2026.
2026: Projected GDP Per Capita Growth
Projections indicate that India's nominal GDP per capita is expected to reach US$3,264 by 2026, signaling continued economic progress but highlighting the ongoing challenge of catching up with more developed economies in the region.
2029: ICC Cricket Champion's Trophy in India (Future)
India is scheduled to host the ICC Cricket Champion's Trophy in 2029.
2030: Projected Growth of India's Middle Class
Projections suggest that India's middle class is set to expand significantly, reaching an estimated 580 million by 2030. This growth is expected to drive consumption and economic growth, further solidifying India's position as a major global economy.
2031: ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India (Future)
India is slated to host the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2031.
2045: Projected Year for India's GDP to Overtake the US
According to the 2011 PwC report, 2045 marks the year by which India's GDP, based on purchasing power parity, could potentially surpass that of the United States, underscoring the country's expected economic ascendance in the coming decades.
2050: India's Projected Economic Growth until 2050
Projections indicate that India's GDP could potentially grow at an annualized average rate of 8% until 2050, positioning it as the world's fastest-growing major economy during this period, if it can effectively address key challenges outlined by institutions like the World Bank.