Chandan Kumar Nath
(chandankumarnath7236@gmail.com)
In May 2020, as the world grappled with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a transformative vision for India: Atmanirbhar Bharat, or Self-Reliant India. This ambitious initiative, launched with a clarion call to make India economically independent and globally competitive, has since become a cornerstone of the Indian government’s policy framework. Far from advocating isolationism, Atmanirbhar Bharat seeks to foster resilience, innovation, and inclusivity while positioning India as a vital player in the global economy.
The roots of Atmanirbhar Bharat can be traced to the economic and geopolitical disruptions of 2020. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, while India’s border tensions with China underscored the risks of over-reliance on imports, particularly in critical sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics. On May 12, 2020, Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation, emphasizing that self-reliance was not merely an economic necessity but a philosophical imperative rooted in India’s cultural ethos. He announced a comprehensive economic package worth Rs 20 lakh crore, equivalent to 10% of India’s GDP, to bolster domestic industries, empower citizens, and mitigate the economic fallout of the pandemic. This package, known as the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, was designed to catalyse growth across sectors while fostering a spirit of self-sufficiency. At its core, Atmanirbhar Bharat rests on five pillars: economy, infrastructure, systems, vibrant demography, and demand. These pillars, as outlined by the Prime Minister, aim to create a robust economic ecosystem that leverages India’s demographic dividend, strengthens infrastructure, and promotes innovation. The vision draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s Swadeshi movement, which championed local production and self-reliance during India’s struggle for independence. However, unlike the inward-looking Swadeshi of the past, Modi’s vision embraces global interconnectedness, encouraging India to compete in international markets while reducing dependence on foreign goods and services.
One of the most significant aspects of Atmanirbhar Bharat is its focus on revitalising domestic manufacturing through the “Make in India” initiative, launched in 2014 and reinvigorated under the self-reliance framework. The government has prioritised ease of doing business, liberalising foreign direct investment (FDI) policies in sectors such as defence, railways, and insurance. According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index improved from 142 in 2014 to 63 in 2019, reflecting streamlined regulations and a more investor-friendly environment. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, introduced across 14 sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, have been instrumental in boosting manufacturing. For instance, the PLI scheme for electronics has attracted global giants like Apple and Samsung, with mobile phone production in India reaching Rs 4.1 lakh crore in 2024-25, of which 20% of components are now indigenously produced. The defence sector exemplifies the transformative potential of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Historically reliant on imports, India has made significant strides toward self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. The Ministry of Defence’s decision to restructure the Ordnance Factory Board into seven Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs) in 2021 has enhanced efficiency and innovation. These units, with orders worth Rs 65,000 crore, are tasked with developing indigenous weaponry and reducing import dependency. The government’s embargo on importing 101 defence items has further incentivised domestic production, with the indigenous share in defence procurement rising from 30% in 2014 to a targeted 65% by 2025. Collaborations with private players like Tata and Boeing for manufacturing C-295 aircraft and other defence equipment underscore India’s growing prowess in this sector.
Agriculture, the backbone of India’s economy, has also been a focal point of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The government has introduced reforms to modernise the sector and empower farmers. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, launched in 2019, provides direct income support of Rs 6,000 annually to over 12 crore farmers, enhancing their financial stability. Agricultural reforms, including the Farm Acts of 2020, aimed to liberalise markets and enable better price realisation for farmers, though they faced significant pushback and were later repealed. Nonetheless, initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, which promotes efficient irrigation under the motto “Per Drop More Crop,” and the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, which encourages organic farming, have bolstered agricultural productivity. The Ministry of Agriculture reports that India’s agricultural exports reached $50.2 billion in 2022-23, reflecting the sector’s growing global competitiveness. The vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat extends beyond manufacturing and agriculture to encompass social welfare and inclusivity. The government’s flagship schemes, such as Ayushman Bharat and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, align with the goal of empowering citizens and fostering self-reliance at the grassroots level. Similarly, the Swachh Bharat Mission has achieved 100% sanitation coverage by 2019, up from 38% in 2014, with the construction of over 12 crore toilets. The World Health Organisation estimates that this initiative has averted 300,000 diarrhoeal deaths, underscoring its public health impact. Financial inclusion, a critical enabler of self-reliance, has been advanced through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. Since its launch in 2014, over 51 crore bank accounts have been opened, bringing millions of unbanked individuals into the formal financial system. The JAM trinity—Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile—has revolutionised subsidy delivery, eliminating middlemen and ensuring transparency. According to the NITI Aayog, nearly 25 crore people have escaped multidimensional poverty over the past nine years, a testament to the government’s focus on inclusive development.
Technological innovation is another cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Digital India initiative has driven digitisation, with platforms like Aadhaar and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) streamlining welfare distribution. The government’s push for indigenous technology is evident in initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which fosters research and development, and Mission Mausam, which enhances weather forecasting capabilities. The U-WIN portal, launched in 2024, digitises vaccination services for pregnant women and children, improving accessibility. In healthcare, innovations like BHISHM Cubes, portable medical facilities deployed at 25 premier institutes, demonstrate India’s commitment to self-reliant medical solutions.
Despite its achievements, Atmanirbhar Bharat faces challenges. Critics, including former U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Juster, have argued that the initiative’s focus on reducing imports may conflict with India’s aspirations to play a larger role in global trade. The United States Trade Representative’s 2022 report highlighted tariff and non-tariff barriers that impede foreign goods, potentially limiting market access. Bureaucratic resistance and inefficiencies in institutions like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also pose hurdles. Moreover, the emphasis on self-reliance must balance global cooperation to avoid perceptions of protectionism, as Modi has repeatedly clarified that Atmanirbhar Bharat is not about isolation but about contributing to global prosperity. The initiative’s impact is evident in India’s economic trajectory. The country’s export of goods and services reached $825 billion in 2024-25, up from $274.8 billion in 2010, according to UNCTAD. The startup ecosystem, bolstered by schemes like Startup India, has made India the world’s third-largest hub for startups, fostering innovation and job creation. Infrastructure development, including world-class roads, railways, and digital connectivity, aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of a developed India. The International Solar Alliance and commitments to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel energy by 2030 reflect India’s leadership in sustainable development.
In conclusion, Atmanirbhar Bharat is a bold and multifaceted vision that transcends economic policy to embody a national ethos of resilience and empowerment. By fostering domestic industries, modernising agriculture, enhancing social welfare, and embracing technology, the initiative is steering India toward self-reliance while strengthening its global standing. While challenges remain, the progress made in manufacturing, defence, and inclusivity underscores the transformative potential of Modi’s vision. As India navigates its Amrit Kaal, the journey toward the centenary of independence in 2047, Atmanirbhar Bharat remains a guiding light, illuminating the path to a prosperous and self-sufficient nation.