Overview

• The WEF’s 2025 outlook warns that rising trade barriers, record-high sovereign debt, a fragmented geopolitical order and friend-shoring trends are weighing on global growth.
• Global expansion is now below its long-term 4% trend, with trade growth lagging overall economic output.
• Brende says India achieved 7.5% growth last quarter, driven by rapidly expanding services and digital trade sectors.
• Proactive adoption of artificial intelligence could boost productivity by up to 10%, offering a rare silver lining for stalled economies.
• Brende cautions that India must pursue deregulation, infrastructure upgrades and improved coordination between states to sustain its momentum.