India’s Self-Reliance Strategy in a Turbulent World

India faces a complex global environment marked by nationalism, protectionism and geopolitical tensions. Recent developments have pushed India to prioritise self-reliance, self-protection and self-confidence as the pillars of its grand strategy. These principles guide India’s efforts to build indigenous capabilities amid uncertain international conditions.

Emergence of the Three Self Doctrine

India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar and commerce minister Piyush Goyal emphasise self-reliance (aatmanirbharta), self-protection (aatmaraksha) and self-confidence (aatmavishwas). These ideas respond to rising global risks such as trade restrictions, sanctions and supply chain vulnerabilities. The doctrine gained momentum after the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war exposed the fragility of global interdependence.

Economic Independence and Industrial Missions

India’s government launched mission-mode projects to reduce dependence on foreign sources for critical materials and technologies. The National Critical Mineral Mission, India Semiconductor Mission and National Mission for Artificial Intelligence aim to secure supply chains and advance technological self-sufficiency. Efforts also focus on energy independence through the National Deep Water Exploration Mission targeting domestic oil and gas reserves.

Defence Modernisation and Security Autonomy

Self-protection involves strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing and border security. The recent Operation Sindoor showcased the potential of domestically developed weapon systems. India plans a National Indigenous Defence Modernisation Mission to accelerate private sector involvement and reduce bureaucratic delays. The goal is to counter terrorism and territorial threats without over-reliance on foreign powers.

Asserting Strategic Autonomy

India’s foreign policy reflects growing self-confidence. It rejects external pressures to conform to great power interests during international crises. India asserts its freedom of choice based on its civilisational identity and economic growth. This stance marks a shift from passive strategic autonomy to a more assertive and self-assured global posture.

Balancing Global Engagement with Indigenous Strength

India does not reject global partnerships but seeks collaborations that enhance its own capabilities. For instance, Google’s $15 billion AI investment supports India’s domestic AI mission. The vocal for local campaign aims to convert local production into global competitiveness. India remains engaged with global finance and technology hubs while building resilience against external shocks.

Challenges and Future Prospects

India’s path to full self-reliance faces hurdles such as technological gaps and bureaucratic inertia. Achieving indigenous defence manufacturing and critical material security will require sustained effort. However, these initiatives offer India a chance to leapfrog economic growth and become a key provider of regional and global public goods.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Taking example of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission, discuss the importance of securing critical raw materials for economic and strategic autonomy.
2. Examine the concept of strategic autonomy in India’s foreign policy. How does it influence India’s relations with major powers like the US and China?
3. Analyse the impact of global supply chain disruptions on emerging economies. Discuss in the light of India’s self-reliance initiatives post-Covid-19 pandemic.
4. Critically discuss the role of indigenous defence manufacturing in national security. How can India overcome challenges in this sector to achieve self-protection?

Answer Hints:

1. Taking example of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission, discuss the importance of securing critical raw materials for economic and strategic autonomy.

1. Critical raw materials are essential for key industries like electronics, defense, and renewable energy.
2. Dependence on foreign sources makes India vulnerable to supply disruptions and geopolitical blackmail.
3. The National Critical Mineral Mission aims to develop domestic sources and reduce import reliance.
4. Securing raw materials supports technological self-sufficiency and industrial growth.
5. Ensures continuity of manufacturing and strategic sectors during global crises or sanctions.
6. Contributes to economic resilience and strengthens India’s position in global value chains.

2. Examine the concept of strategic autonomy in India’s foreign policy. How does it influence India’s relations with major powers like the US and China?

1. Strategic autonomy means India maintains freedom of choice without undue external pressure.
2. India balances relations with the US and China without fully aligning with either bloc.
3. It allows India to push back against demands that compromise its national interests.
4. India pursues partnerships that enhance its capabilities, not dependency.
5. This approach reflects India’s civilisational identity and growing economic power.
6. It creates space for India to act independently in crises and geopolitical contests.

3. Analyse the impact of global supply chain disruptions on emerging economies. Discuss in the light of India’s self-reliance initiatives post-Covid-19 pandemic.

1. Disruptions exposed vulnerabilities due to overdependence on few foreign suppliers.
2. Emerging economies faced shortages of essential goods and inflationary pressures.
3. India’s self-reliance push aims to build indigenous manufacturing and diversified supply chains.
4. Initiatives like India Semiconductor Mission and AI Mission reduce technological dependence.
5. Focus on “vocal for local” promotes domestic production for global competitiveness.
6. Strengthening supply chains enhances economic stability and resilience to shocks.

4. Critically discuss the role of indigenous defence manufacturing in national security. How can India overcome challenges in this sector to achieve self-protection?

1. Indigenous defence production reduces reliance on foreign arms and technology transfers.
2. It enhances operational readiness and strategic autonomy in conflict situations.
3. Current challenges include technological gaps, bureaucratic delays, and limited private sector participation.
4. National Indigenous Defence Modernisation Mission aims to set timelines and streamline processes.
5. Encouraging private sector and innovation can accelerate capability development.
6. Successes like Operation Sindoor demonstrate potential and boost confidence in self-protection.