[Answered] India’s ‘Atmanirbhar’ vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ extends beyond trade to encompass capability building. Evaluate how self-reliance, as a concept of comprehensive capability, can drive inclusive economic growth and technological independence.

Introduction

The vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat is not limited to reducing trade deficits but is rooted in strengthening national capability across defence, technology, manufacturing, and energy. Self-reliance, when framed as capability-building, aligns with the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 — driving inclusive growth, innovation, and resilience.

Beyond Trade: Self-Reliance as Capability Building

1. Defence & Strategic Autonomy: India’s Operation Sindoor highlights the role of indigenous defence capability in ensuring swift responses without dependence on foreign suppliers. Initiatives like Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy (2020) and Positive Indigenisation Lists have reduced imports — defence exports grew from ₹4,682 crore in 2017 to over ₹21,000 crore in 2023.
2. Energy Independence & Sustainability: India imports over 80% of its crude oil, draining foreign reserves. National Hydrogen Mission (2021), rapid solar expansion (30x growth in a decade), and nuclear capacity expansion (10 new reactors under construction) aim to secure energy autonomy while advancing climate goals. By 2025, India achieved 20% ethanol blending target five years ahead of schedule — reducing dependence on crude and supporting farmers.
3. Technology & Semiconductors: India lost decades of potential semiconductor leadership, but today, under the India Semiconductor Mission, six fabs are under development, supported by $10 billion incentives. Digital India and India Stack (UPI, Aadhaar) exemplify indigenous tech platforms enabling inclusive financial and governance services.
4. Manufacturing & MSMEs: National Manufacturing Policy and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes encourage “Vocal for Local” with global competitiveness. MSMEs (30% of GDP, 110 million jobs) are being integrated into global value chains, fostering local innovation and employment.
5. Agriculture & Food Security: From the Green Revolution to ethanol blending, farmers have been central to Atmanirbharta. Initiatives like PM-KUSUM (solarising agriculture) and promotion of millets (International Year of Millets 2023) combine self-reliance with global leadership.

Driving Inclusive Growth through Capability

1. Social Equity: Access to digital services, renewable energy, and healthcare technologies reduces rural-urban divides.
2. Employment Generation: Defence, renewable, and electronics industries generate high-skilled jobs.
3. Resilience: Reducing over-dependence on imports shields India from global supply chain shocks (e.g., pandemic, Ukraine crisis).
4. Global Leadership: By becoming self-reliant, India emerges as a net provider of solutions — from vaccines (Vaccine Maitri program during COVID-19) to green energy technologies.

Policy Framework for Atmanirbharta

1. Zero Defect, Zero Effect approach ensures global quality standards with environmental sustainability.
2. Collaborative federalism and public-private partnerships (e.g., ISRO-Startups synergy).
3. Inclusive financing through Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile trinity ensures grassroots participation in growth.

Conclusion

Atmanirbharta, viewed as comprehensive capability, empowers India to secure strategic autonomy, foster innovation, and drive inclusive prosperity. This self-reliant path is indispensable for transforming Bharat into a truly Viksit Bharat by 2047.