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India is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as a self-reliant powerhouse in defence and a key player in the global digital economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day 2024 address highlighted the country’s strides towards becoming a leader in these crucial areas, driven by substantial progress in defence manufacturing and digital technology.
The Prime Minister’s speech emphasised India’s impressive journey towards self-reliance in defence, moving away from a heavy reliance on imported military equipment. This transformation is marked by a strategic shift towards indigenous defence production, supported by several key initiatives.
The government’s focus on domestic manufacturing has led to the creation of indigenisation lists that mandate the procurement of over 5,600 defence items exclusively from Indian industries. This move has significantly reduced the nation’s dependency on foreign suppliers and bolstered local defence capabilities.
The results of these efforts are evident. In the financial year 2023-24, India’s defence production reached an unprecedented ₹1.27 lakh crore (US$15.4 billion), reflecting a robust increase in domestic manufacturing. Additionally, defence exports soared to ₹21,083 crore (US$2.6 billion), a remarkable 32.5% increase from the previous fiscal year.
This upward trend continued into the first quarter of FY 2024-25, with defence exports climbing by 78% compared to the same period the previous year. This surge in both production and exports highlights India’s growing role as a significant player in the global defence sector.
The Prime Minister also recalled pivotal moments, which underscored India’s strengthened defence capabilities and its ability to respond decisively to threats. These actions demonstrate India’s enhanced self-reliance and its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty with a robust and modern defence infrastructure.
India’s commitment to technological self-reliance and national security was highlighted at the Defence Sector ICT Conclave in New Delhi on July 29, 2024, which showcased military technology advancements, significant ICT exports, strategic cooperation with Africa, and a new MoU to develop next-generation technologies for the Indian Army.
On the digital front, the Prime Minister laid out India’s ambitious goals for semiconductor production, a critical component of the global digital economy. Historically, India was dependent on importing mobile phones, but the country has now established a substantial mobile manufacturing ecosystem. This transformation has positioned India as a significant exporter of mobile phones, reflecting the success of its domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing Indian Semiconductor Mission, which aims to establish India as a global leader in semiconductor production. He posed a vision where every piece of equipment features a “Made in India” chip, emphasising the country’s potential to deliver end-to-end semiconductor solutions. This mission aligns with India’s broader digital transformation goals, integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) into its development strategy.
The focus on semiconductor production is crucial for India’s future, as semiconductors are foundational to modern technology. By investing in this sector, India aims to enhance its technological capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign semiconductor suppliers. This strategic move not only supports the growth of India’s digital economy but also strengthens its position in the global technology landscape.
The Prime Minister’s address underscored the alignment of defence self-reliance and digital innovation with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. The integration of advanced manufacturing capabilities, particularly in defence and semiconductor production, is central to this vision. These advancements reflect India’s commitment to building a resilient and self-sufficient economy capable of competing on the global stage.
India’s journey towards digital transformation and self-reliance is shaping its future, driving economic growth, and positioning the nation as a leader in both defence and digital technology. The progress made in these areas represents a transformative period for India, paving the way for continued innovation and global influence in the years to come.
