Renowned investor and founder of Bridgewater Associates, Ray Dalio, has emphasized the benefits of neutrality for countries, citing historical examples where neutral nations outperformed those involved in wars. Speaking at the All-In Summit 2023 on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, Dalio expressed his optimism about India’s growth prospects, drawing parallels between India today and China in the 1980s. He likened India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to Deng Xiaoping, the former leader of the People’s Republic of China credited with opening up China’s economy to foreign investment.
Dalio’s optimism for India’s growth is based on statistical measurements and leading indicators, with a 10-year growth rate estimate that places India at the forefront of potential growth. He compared India’s current status to that of China in 1984, noting similarities in per capita income and the potential for development and creativity under Modi’s leadership.
Dalio previously compared India to China in 1984 after the success of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, highlighting India’s potential and the leadership necessary to catalyze it, much like Deng Xiaoping did for China in the 1980s.
While acknowledging certain challenges, such as internal religious issues involving a significant Muslim population, Dalio expressed confidence that these challenges would not impede India’s progress.
Dalio also pointed out the historical trend that neutral countries tend to fare better than those embroiled in conflicts. Given the ongoing tensions between the United States, China, and their allies, countries like India that maintain neutrality could benefit economically.
Dalio had a meeting with Prime Minister Modi during his visit to the United States in June. During the meeting, they discussed the Indian government’s reforms aimed at fostering growth, including reducing regulatory burdens and decriminalizing many legal provisions. Prime Minister Modi invited Dalio to explore further investments in India, with Dalio acknowledging India’s enormous potential and the opportunities it presents.
