[prebrov]

No intent to belittle any nation’s effort, but technology doesn’t spread evenly.

Technological advances secured West’s domination over much of the world for centuries, despite having smaller population. Competitors were brought to submission using superior technology — China (Opium wars), Native Americans, Japan (WW II) and nearly every case I can think of.

So, sooner is massively better than later.

[rohit2412]

Considering that India is still industrializing, I'd argue 1 century later is massively better than 4 century later.