The Contradiction: Make in India and Foreign Imports
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India initiative aims to spur domestic manufacturing, investment, and employment by encouraging companies to produce goods within the Indian borders. However, a curious inconsistency remains: despite Modi's advocacy for local manufacturing, India continues to import a significant amount of fuel to power its economy. Every day, India imports approximately 5,123,000 barrels of crude oil (Source: Wikipedia).
Security Concerns and Vehicle Usage
The necessity of protecting India’s top leadership, including the Prime Minister himself, cannot be understated. Mr. Narendra Modi, being the Prime Minister, ensures his safety by traveling in high-security, well-equipped vehicles. This need for security doesn't negate the broader goals of the Make in India initiative; rather, it acknowledges the reality of modern governance and the importance of personal security in leadership roles.
Highlighting 'Make in India' Successes
The 'Make in India' scheme has indeed seen progress, albeit in targeted sectors. For instance, under this initiative, several mobile phone manufacturing companies, such as Xiomi and Samsung, have established manufacturing facilities in India. Xiomi India, in collaboration with Flex, has announced a new manufacturing facility set to be constructed in Chennai, covering an area of 1 million sq ft. This expansion marks a significant step in fulfilling the 'Make in India' vision for electronics manufacturing.
Another noteworthy example is Apple Inc., which has also committed to manufacturing phones in India. The company has begun assembling iPhones in India, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'Make in India' and aiming to 'Make for the World' by producing goods that can be exported to other countries.
Understanding the Contrast
While it might seem contradictory at first glance, the ongoing import of crude oil for transportation and the thriving 'Make in India' initiative are part of a broader strategic vision. The decision to travel in foreign-made vehicles for security reasons doesn’t undermine the initiative's goals. In fact, it underscores the need to carefully consider each component of national policy and its specific context.
The 'Make in India' and 'Made in India' initiatives are distinct yet complementary. Together, they aim to strengthen India’s industrial base, foster local talent, and harness innovation to create a more competitive global economy. While some sectors may still rely on imports, the focus on manufacturing and innovation aligns with the broader goals of economic development and self-reliance.
Conclusion and Reflection
Reflecting on the current state of India’s economy and governance, it is clear that both foreign imports and local manufacturing play crucial roles in shaping its future. The success of the 'Make in India' initiative lies in its ability to balance these components effectively, ensuring that the nation's economic interests and security concerns are addressed holistically.
As we continue to support and promote the 'Make in India' initiative, it is vital to recognize the underlying security concerns that shape certain aspects of current policy. This balance between import and local manufacturing is key to achieving the broader goals of economic development and self-reliance in India.