An operation that was also about a self-reliant India, Pg6

• India’s recent evolution toward a self-reliant, technologically empowered economy is rooted in initiatives like Make in India (2014) and Atmanirbhar Bharat (2020).

• Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s growing confidence in using indigenous defence technologies.

• India is moving from a net importer to a producer of defence equipment, with defence exports reaching ₹23,622 crore in FY25, projected to touch ₹50,000 crore by 2029.

• Industries in semiconductors, electronics, defence, AI, mobility, and biotechnology are central to India’s self-reliance roadmap.

• Shift from Passive to Proactive Industrial Strategy:

  • Earlier dependence on imports is being reduced through Production-Linked Incentives (PLIs), ease of doing business reforms, and foreign investment incentives.

  • Focus is on creating value chains and strengthening India’s position as a manufacturing powerhouse.

  • Role of Strategic Operations like Sindoor:

  • Showcased operational use of indigenously developed military tech, symbolising industrial resilience and strategic autonomy.

  • Helped project India as a global player with precision capability and design leadership.

  • Defence & Dual-use Technology Emphasis:

  • Industries are investing in R&D and advanced manufacturing, backed by government initiatives like:

    • National Quantum Mission

    • Semiconductor Mission

    • AI-driven combat platform support

    • Bhashini (language translation)

    • FutureSkills Prime

  • Academia-Industry Partnerships:

  • Encouraged by initiatives like U.S.-India TRUST, and India-France collaborations in AI, defence, and quantum computing.

  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Chandrayaan/Mangalyaan missions have bolstered India’s global credibility.

  • Export and Innovation Goals:

  • India’s defence exports span 80 countries; technological self-sufficiency is now a strategic necessity.

  • Future-ready policy vision includes biotech, clean energy, AI, space, and next-gen mobility.

Mains Mock Question:

Q. “Self-reliance is no longer only an economic goal but a national security imperative.” Discuss with reference to India’s recent strategic and industrial policies.