Ten years ago, India embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its manufacturing sector under the banner of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. What began as a vision to strengthen the nation’s industrial capacity has evolved into a movement that has unleashed the potential of Bharat’s 140 crore citizens. The consequence of this decade-long endeavour have been nothing short of extraordinary, demonstrating that India is truly unstoppable in its pursuit of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.
The primary aim of ‘Make in India’ was simple yet bold: to ensure that India, with its immense talent and resources, does not remain a mere consumer of global goods but also becomes a significant player in the world’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Looking back over the past decade, it is impossible not to be filled with pride at the remarkable strides India has made. The initiative has imprinted its impact across various sectors, even in areas where few could have predicted such success.
One of the most striking examples of the ‘Make in India’ success story is the transformation of India’s mobile phone manufacturing industry. In 2014, India had just two mobile manufacturing units across the country. Fast forward to today, and that number has skyrocketed to over 200. This exponential growth has propelled India into the second-largest mobile phone manufacturing hub globally.
The statistics are mind-boggling. Mobile phone exports from India have surged from a modest ₹1,556 crore in 2014 to an astounding ₹1.2 lakh crore, marking an unprecedented 7500% increase! Today, a staggering 99% of the mobile phones used in India are Made in India. This achievement is a testament to the impact of the initiative, not only in terms of economic growth but also in empowering local talent and building self-reliance.
India’s steel industry has also experienced a remarkable transformation. Over the past decade, the country has transitioned from being a major steel importer to becoming a net exporter of finished steel. Since 2014, steel production has increased by more than 50%, showcasing the country’s growing industrial strength.
Moreover, in an era where technology dominates every facet of life, India’s semiconductor manufacturing sector is attracting global attention. With investments surpassing ₹1.5 lakh crore and five semiconductor plants approved, India is set to manufacture over 7 crore chips per day. This marks a crucial step towards self-sufficiency in a sector critical to the modern world.
In renewable energy, India has emerged as the fourth-largest producer globally. The country’s renewable capacity has increased by an impressive 400% in the last ten years, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and green energy.
The electric vehicle (EV) industry, virtually non-existent in 2014, has now grown into a $3 billion market. This rapid expansion is paving the way for cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions, further solidifying India’s position in the global green energy landscape.
Talking about the India’s defence production sector has also undergone a remarkable transformation. Defence exports have surged from a mere ₹1,000 crore to ₹21,000 crore, and Indian-made military equipment is now exported to over 85 countries. Iconic products such as the BrahMos missile and Vande Bharat trains have become symbols of India’s growing defence capabilities.
Similarly, India’s space sector has seen remarkable growth, with Indian satellites and space missions now recognized globally for their cost-efficiency and innovation.
Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of the ‘Make in India’ initiative is its role in empowering the nation’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The MSME sector, often referred to as the backbone of the Indian economy, has benefited enormously from the increased focus on manufacturing. This initiative has opened up new avenues for MSMEs to become wealth creators, providing them with the tools and confidence to compete on a global scale.
Moreover, ‘Make in India’ has given wings to the dreams of millions of ordinary Indians. It has empowered individuals from all walks of life to aspire to greater heights, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and demonstrating that with the right support, anyone can be a part of India’s growth story.
In a recent LinkedIn post, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned,’’ Today, we are being seen as drivers of global growth. I call upon my young friends to come and join us in taking Make in India to new heights. We all must strive for excellence. Delivering quality should be our commitment. Zero defect should be our mantra.
Together, we can continue to build an India that not only meets its own needs but also serves as a manufacturing and innovation powerhouse for the world.’’
From the mobile phones we use to the Vande Bharat trains speeding across the nation, the impact of ‘Make in India’ is everywhere. It stands as a symbol of India’s innovation, quality, and resilience. As we celebrate a decade of this transformative initiative, one thing is clear: India is truly unstoppable.
The next decade promises even greater achievements, as India continues to harness the strength and skills of its people, build world-class infrastructure, and cement its position as a leader in the global manufacturing ecosystem. With ‘Make in India’ as the driving force, the future is bright, and India is poised to make even greater strides on the global stage.
