The Indian economy has had huge changes after independence in 1947 following certain distinct phases. Initially, during the first phase between the year 1947 and 1965, it embraced state led industrialization as well as import substitution to lessen its excessive reliance on outside goods. The Green Revolution (1960s-1970s) was a groundbreaking development that ushered in high-yielding crop varieties as well as contemporary farming practices whose primary effect was the substantial increase in agricultural produces accompanied by detrimental factors like land infertility and exhaustion of water reserves from below the ground.

Economic liberalization occurred in the 1991 after incremental economic reforms were introduced in the 1980s. During this period what happened is that there was a deregulation of industries as well as lowering down on tariffs while also attracting foreign investment which impressed India into rapid developments within its economy while also linking her closer with international markets. Regardless the growth experienced, there were challenges such as infrastructural bottle-necks, continued poverty as well as uneven development.

Efforts to achieve sustainability have been further complicated by immense pressure exerted on both resources and infrastructure as a result of population growth. It is worth noting that for the economic advancement, substantial hindrances have arisen due to environmental degradation. Pollution deteriorates public health leading to high healthcare costs and poor labor productivity. This degrading environment also has a negative effect on agricultural productivity that poses a threat to food security through soil erosion, shortage of water and climate change.

India has taken a different direction through steps like boosting renewable sources of power, using stricter pollution control techniques and encouraging conservation methods. The future development of India faces a big problem because they are having trouble combining growth of economy and environmental protection.