Srinagar, Dec. 28 -- India has crossed a historic milestone. By emerging as the fourth-largest economy in the world, the country has announced its arrival as a serious force in global economics. Today, India confidently competes with established giants such as the United States, China and Germany a transformation that would have seemed improbable just a few decades ago.

Yet, economic rankings are not trophies to be framed on a wall; they are positions to be defended. To retain its place among the world's top economies, India must shift from momentum-driven growth to mission-driven expansion. Faster and more balanced GDP growth is the key, and that growth must be powered by world-class infrastructure.

From high-speed telecommunications a...