India is the world's second most populous country with over 1.3 billion people, and it is projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country in the next decade. India is also the world's fastest-growing major economy, with an annual growth rate of 7.5% in 2016. In contrast, China's economy is slowing down, with a growth rate of only 6.7% in 2016. This has led to some people asking whether India is poised to replace China as the world's leading economic power.

India has always been an enigma to the world. A country of contradictions, it is at once both ancient and modern, traditional and progressive, rural and urban. And, it is home to a population that is both incredibly diverse and united by a common culture and history.

Now, as India looks to the future, it is clear that the country is poised to play a major role on the global stage. In recent years, India has made significant strides in its economic and political development, and it is now widely seen as a major power in Asia.

Of course, with this increased prominence comes increased scrutiny. And, one of the most common questions about India is whether or not the country is ready to replace China as the world's leading power.

It is no secret that China and India are rivals. For centuries, the two countries have been vying for supremacy in Asia. And, in recent years, their rivalry has only intensified.

There are many factors that contribute to this rivalry. For one, China and India are both rapidly growing economies. In fact, China is currently the world's largest economy, while India is not far behind.

Furthermore, the two countries are also home to a large number of people. China has a population of over 1.3 billion, while India's population is close to 1.2 billion.

Finally, China and India are both nuclear-armed states. This fact alone has led to a great deal of tension between the two countries.

So, the question remains: does India want to replace China as the world's leading power?

There is no doubt that India has made great strides economically in recent years. However, it is important to remember that China is still far ahead of India in terms of economic size and development. In 2016, China's economy was nearly five times larger than India's economy in terms of GDP.

Moreover, China has a much higher level of industrialization and technological development than India. For example, China is the world's largest producer of steel and coal, and it has the world's second-largest manufacturing sector. India, on the other hand, is still largely a rural country with a largely agrarian economy.

It is also worth noting that India's population is expected to grow at a much slower rate than China's population in the coming years. India's population is projected to peak at around 1.6 billion in 2050, while China's population is expected to peak at around 1.4 billion in 2029.

All things considered, it is clear that China is still the world's leading economic power and it is unlikely that India will replace China in the near future. However, India's rapid economic growth is certainly impressive and it is possible that India could catch up to China in the long run.

In the end, only time will tell if India is truly ready to replace China as the world's leading power. However, one thing is certain: the rivalry between these two countries is only likely to intensify in the years to come.