'Indian PM Likely To Take Mantle of Leader Of Free World From US President In 40-50 Years': Tony Abbott

New Delhi: The 21st century belongs to India, and whoever is the Prime Minister of the country in the four or five decades down the line could take the role of 'the leader of the free world', former Australian

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said at an event Friday. Abbott also called on Delhi to play its role as a 'democratic counterweight' to China in the Asia-Pacific region and a 'strong, reliable partner' for Australia."India is a counterweight to China. It is now the most populous country. You go to any Indian city... there is massive infrastructure push - new airports, etc. India is rising and can be a substitute to China," Abbott said at the NDTV World Summit 2025."The 21st century belongs to India just as it belongs to China," he said.Citing the trade deals signed by India with Australia in 2022 and with the United Kingdom last month, Abbott said these are signs the democratic world is shifting from China.Abbott said that India has three big advantages - democracy, the rule of law, and the English language - which will allow the country to achieve economic and military 'take-off' China accomplished a few decades ago.US Tariff IssueUS President Donald Trump "misplayed" his hand with India by imposing the 25 per cent 'penalty' tariff on New Delhi for buying Russian oil. "I am a supporter of Trump... but I think he misplayed his hand with India when he imposed those punitive tariffs... particularly given there are other countries that are cheating here, especially China (which buys more than India), that didn't get the same treatment," he said.He also referred to the "big mistake" made by the US by siding with Pakistan during the Cold War with Russia."There are good people in Pak... but at heart it is still a military society with an Islamist streak. India is different. I'm not saying the US should not work with Pak... But it should know where its friends are," he said.