It isn't a straightforward parallel because those countries have universal (or near universal) language homogeneity. Even with the exception of China, there isn't nearly as much variation as there is in India (e.g. here are some languages from an Indian banknote: https://puu.sh/GGwOj/3537211eb7.png).

So, the closest thing India has to a universal language is English. If you don't learn that, you won't be able to communicate with a significant population, even discounting international relations.