Make in India: Defence, Manufacturing, and Self-Reliance

TOPIC CLASSIFICATION

Subject: Governance / Economy | Topic: Industrial Policy Sub-topic: Make in India, Production Linked Incentive (PLI), Defence Manufacturing Prelims Focus: Launch year, sectors identified, defence FDI limits Mains Focus: Impact on manufacturing, self-reliance in defence, challenges

EXAMINER REASONING

Make in India is a recurring UPSC theme. Prelims asks about its inception year and sectors. Mains questions examine whether Make in India has succeeded in boosting manufacturing GDP share, and specifically the defence manufacturing ecosystem. The shift towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) is central.

Core Concept

Launched on September 25, 2014, Make in India is a national programme designed to transform India into a global manufacturing hub, attract foreign investment, foster innovation, and create jobs. It covers 27 sectors including defence, automotive, textiles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.

Key Features of the Original Make in India

• Sectors: 27 sectors identified (initially 25, later expanded).
• FDI liberalisation: FDI caps raised in defence (100%), insurance (74%), railways, and space.
• Ease of Doing Business: Single-window clearance, online applications, reduced compliances.
• Intellectual Property: Comprehensive IPR policy (2016).
• Industrial corridors: Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Chennai-Bengaluru, etc.
• National Manufacturing Policy: Target to raise manufacturing GDP share to 25%...