India, the world’s largest democracy, is often hailed as a land of opportunity and potential. Since gaining independence in 1947, the country has made significant strides in various fields—technology, space exploration, and industrial development. But there’s a glaring paradox that continues to plague the nation: the ever-growing divide between the rich and the poor.

Over the decades, successive prime ministers have claimed poverty alleviation as one of their top priorities. Yet, despite these pledges, the gap between the affluent and the marginalized has only widened, leaving millions struggling while a handful thrive. This stark economic divide not only hampers the country’s growth potential but also presents a serious challenge to India’s aspirations of becoming a true global power.

The Promise of a Better Tomorrow

India’s post-independence leaders have consistently spoken of a future where prosperity is shared by all, where the “antyodaya” (rise of the last person) is a reality, and where poverty becomes a thing of the past. From Nehru’s vision of industrial self-sufficiency to Modi’s promise of a digital India, the promise has been the same: to lift the nation’s poorest out of poverty and provide them with opportunities for a better life. Yet, despite these lofty goals, the harsh reality is that the gap between the rich and poor has continued to grow.

The Rich Are Getting Richer

Today, India has a booming economy, and is home to some of the wealthiest individuals and companies in the world. In fact, India has seen a dramatic increase in its number of billionaires in recent years. The rich have access to resources that allow them to multiply their wealth exponentially—through investments, access to better education, healthcare, and global networks.

But while the ultra-wealthy have flourished, the majority of India’s population remains stuck in poverty, struggling with issues like unemployment, lack of quality education, inadequate healthcare, and the persistent shadow of inflation. According to the World Inequality Report, India’s richest 1% hold more than 40% of the nation’s wealth, leaving the majority with scraps.

The Poor Keep Getting Poorer

Meanwhile, millions of Indians—particularly those in rural areas and informal sectors—continue to face systemic barriers that prevent them from improving their quality of life. The rural-urban divide, while gradually narrowing, still remains vast, and many people in the countryside have limited access to modern education, technology, and economic opportunities.

In urban areas, the poor are often trapped in a cycle of low-wage jobs, with no social safety nets or job security. The rise of precarious employment—where workers are hired on temporary contracts without any benefits or protections—further exacerbates the problem. The result is a growing number of people who live in slums or informal settlements, often without basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and reliable electricity.

A Nation Divided: The Implications for India’s Global Ambitions

If India aspires to become a global power, it must first address this yawning economic divide. Global leadership is not just about military strength, technological prowess, or geopolitical influence—it’s about being a model for sustainable and inclusive development. India’s global standing will remain incomplete if it cannot ensure that its growth benefits all sections of society.

While India has made impressive strides in sectors like information technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the benefits of these advancements have not been evenly distributed. A nation of 1.4 billion people cannot hope to lead the world if over 300 million Indians continue to live below the poverty line, without access to opportunities that will help them escape that cycle. Economic exclusion breeds instability, frustration, and social unrest—threatening the very fabric of democracy and national unity.

A Call to Action: Building an Inclusive India

So, what can India do to address this issue?

1.  Implement a Progressive Wealth Tax on Billionaires: It is time to introduce a wealth tax on billionaires to ensure that those who have accumulated massive fortunes contribute fairly to the nation’s development. A progressive wealth tax will help redistribute wealth, provide funding for public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, and reduce the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. ( According to Oxfam International’s report titled “Survival of the richest”, if India’s billionaires are taxed once at 2 per cent on their entire wealth, it would support the requirement of Rs 40,423 crore for the nutrition of malnourished in the country for the next three years.) 

2.  Introduce an Inheritance Tax : India does not levy an inheritance tax. As a result, vast fortunes, often amassed over generations, pass on to heirs without being taxed, further entrenching dynastic wealth and perpetuating inequality. We call on the Indian government to implement an inheritance tax that targets individuals inheriting substantial amounts of wealth, property, or assets. This will prevent the perpetuation of extreme wealth disparities across generations, promote fairness, and ensure that wealth is not concentrated within a few families for decades or even centuries

India’s vision of becoming a global power cannot be realized without addressing the stark inequalities that persist within its borders. If India is to truly lead on the world stage, it must become a model of inclusive growth—where prosperity is shared, where opportunity is accessible to all, and where the social divide is bridged.

India has the resources, talent, and potential to rise to the top. But this can only happen if the rich stop getting richer while the poor are left behind. A prosperous, unified, and equal India is not just a dream—it is the only way to ensure the country’s rightful place as a true global power. The time for change is now.