India stands at a critical demographic crossroads. With one of the world’s largest youth populations, the country possesses an immense economic advantage. Yet, a youthful population becomes a genuine demographic dividend only when young citizens are educated, skilled, gainfully employed and provided with meaningful opportunities. Otherwise, that demographic promise risks turning into social disillusionment.

China, despite its comparable population, is moving in the opposite demographic direction. Decades of low fertility have accelerated the ageing of its population. India, by contrast, possesses an extraordinary reservoir of young people entering the workforce. The central question is whether the country can create the economic opportunities and infrastructure needed to harness this potential.