India to be superpower by 2047: Ex-ISRO chief

India is on its way to becoming a global superpower by 2047, driven by advancements in space technology and manufacturing, according to former ISRO Chairman S. Somnath. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the 71st convention of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in Dehradun on Friday.

Highlighting India’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, Somnath emphasized that “science and spirituality can coexist, just as faith and reality complement each other.” He pointed out that Indian sages and saints historically explored mathematics, astronomy, metallurgy, architecture, and medicine, and argued that modern scientific insights are deeply rooted in India’s spiritual heritage.

Somnath expressed confidence in India’s current trajectory, saying that the country’s progress is instilling a new sense of optimism among its citizens. “For the first time, India is being viewed differently on the global stage, and this is possible because we remain pillars of democratic stability,” he noted.

Focusing on the country’s demographic advantage, he said that India’s youthful population comprising 25 percent of its citizens will remain a strength for the next 25 years. “This young population will drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth,” he added.

Praising the government’s initiatives, Somnath highlighted the opportunities emerging for private players in the nuclear sector and the growing emphasis on green technologies, which will allow India’s youth to contribute to critical industries.

The former ISRO head also reflected on India’s space achievements, citing Chandrayaan-3 as the mission that made India the first country to reach the Moon’s southern region. He further mentioned Aditya-L1, which marks India’s ambitious steps toward studying the Sun.

Aditya-L1 is India’s first mission to study the Sun, launched by ISRO. Its main goal is to observe the Sun’s outer layer (corona), solar radiation, solar winds, and magnetic fields. The mission will help scientists understand how the Sun affects space weather, which can impact satellites, power grids, and communication on Earth.

Somnath concluded that with the right combination of science, technology, governance, and youthful energy, India is poised to emerge as a leading power on the global stage by 2047.