Overview
- IMF projections for 2026 attribute 26.6% of global real GDP growth to China and 17% to India, with the United States at 9.9% and Asia-Pacific contributing roughly half overall.
- Elon Musk reposted a World of Statistics graphic based on the IMF data, writing that “the balance of power is changing.”
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cited Musk’s post and the IMF figures while engaging students after presenting the Union Budget, saying India is next to China and pledging to “bridge” the gap.
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju invoked Musk’s post to counter Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the economy and the budget, urging opponents not to disparage India’s achievements.
- The IMF’s January outlook pegs global growth at 3.3% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, warns of risks from geopolitical tensions and potential AI-related reassessments, and raises India’s near-term growth forecasts.