Modi’s EV push, defense exports, and policy reforms are propelling Aatmanirbhar Bharat into the global value chain.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Suzuki Motor’s electric vehicle (EV) plant in Hansalpur, Gujarat, it wasn’t just a factory launch it was a signal that India is stepping into the frontlines of global manufacturing. The facility will export EVs to over 100 countries, while its joint venture with Toshiba and Denso has begun producing lithium-ion battery electrodes with over 80% domestic value addition. Hansalpur is more than an industrial site it’s a symbol of India’s transition from being an assembler to a designer, innovator, and exporter of high-value technologies.
A Shift in the Self-Reliance Narrative: India’s journey from Swadeshi to Aatmanirbhar Bharat marks a transformation in philosophy. The earlier versions of self-reliance whether through Gandhiji’s charkha or Nehru’s heavy industry push were defensive, designed to protect against foreign domination. Aatmanirbhar Bharat, however, is assertive. It calls for Indian entrepreneurs to innovate, for products to meet global benchmarks, and for manufacturing to compete not just at home but on the world stage.
EVs, Exports, and the Auto Revolution: The automotive sector epitomizes this change. From ₹50,000 crore a decade ago, India’s automobile exports now exceed ₹1.2 lakh crore annually. Passenger EVs and indigenous models are entering international markets. Innovations such as battery-rental models designed for India’s climate are showing the world that India isn’t just catching up it’s leading in adaptation and innovation. The transformation is evident in transport systems too: Delhi Metro, once dependent on imports, now exports rolling stock to Sydney. The Vande Bharat trains, designed and made in India, have become a showcase of indigenous engineering excellence.
Defense and Aerospace: From Buyer to Seller In defense, India has moved from dependence to dominance. HAL’s Tejas fighter jets are deployed, the Philippines has placed a landmark order for BrahMos missiles, and Indian shipyards are exporting warships. Defense exports touched ₹21,000 crore in 2023-24 a twentyfold jump in under a decade. Policy, Production, and Infrastructure Synergy Behind this growth is a policy framework reshaping the industrial landscape. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 sectors are boosting electronics, advanced cells, semiconductors, and solar modules. Quality control mandates now ensure imports meet Indian standards, encouraging domestic competitiveness. Infrastructure programs like Gati Shakti and dedicated freight corridors are making large-scale production globally viable. The results are visible: iPhones assembled in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, solar hubs in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, and EV clusters in Gujarat.
The Road Ahead: For India to sustain momentum, it must climb higher on the technology ladder investing in R&D, design, and intellectual property. Sourcing critical minerals, advancing labor reforms, and nurturing talent will be vital. Consistent implementation without excess red tape will determine whether the momentum becomes irreversible. The JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) proved India can compress decades of development into years when policy, technology, and society align. A similar mindset applied to manufacturing could turn today’s green shoots into a full harvest. India’s manufacturing renaissance is no longer a dream it’s unfolding in real time.
