Surjit Bhalla is an economist, author, and columnist. He was a part-time member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory Council. He also served as Executive Director at the IMF for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Surjit Bhalla shares his views on why India may not achieve its Viksit Bharat goal by 2047 if it continues with business as usual. He also says, "Senior babus who make decisions but are never held accountable are India's real deep state."

The conversation covers Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's economy, the rupee, China, foreign direct investment, demonetisation, GDP, and the reforms India needs to accelerate economic growth.

00:00 – Introduction

03:03 – India's Economic Future

12:51 – Why India Overprotects Its Industries

16:42 – Lessons From Vietnam

21:07 – Viksit Bharat 2047 Target Realistic?

24:25 – India's Growth Story

36:43 – Why India Hesitates to Reform

42:24 – Agriculture and Dairy Sector

50:14 – China's Agriculture Model

56:39 – Manufacturing in West Bengal

1:01:15 – India's Next Window for Reforms

1:09:46 – Why Isn't FDI Coming to India?

1:13:51 – India's Job Challenge

1:21:13 – The Freebies Debate

1:30:06 – Demonetisation

1:34:27 – India's Middle Class Really Growing?

1:38:11 – Advice for Prime Minister Modi