Q. “Indigenization of technology is key to Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” Critically evaluate this statement with examples.

Introduction:

The vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) emphasizes reducing dependency on foreign imports and fostering domestic capabilities in critical sectors. Indigenization of technology—the process of developing and producing technologies domestically—forms a cornerstone of this initiative. It is especially crucial in sectors such as defense, space, healthcare, and energy, where self-reliance can bolster economic and strategic independence.

Importance of Indigenization of Technology in Aatmanirbhar Bharat:

1. Strategic Autonomy:
   • Reducing dependency on foreign nations ensures security in sensitive areas like defense and nuclear technology.
   • Example: Development of the Tejas fighter aircraft and Arihant-class nuclear submarines showcases India’s progress in indigenous defense technology.
2. Economic Growth:
   • Encouraging domestic production reduces the outflow of foreign exchange.
   • Example: The Make in India initiative has attracted investments in electronics and manufacturing.
3. Job Creation and Skill Development:
   • Indigenous industries create employment opportunities and enhance technical skills among the workforce.
   • Example: Growth in the automobile and electronics industries, driven by local manufacturing capabilities.
4. Technological Innovation:
   • Encouraging R&D fosters innovation tailored to India’s specific needs.
   • Example: Development of covaxin, India’s indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, during the pandemic.
5. Resilience in Global Supply Chains:
   • Indigenization protects against global supply chain disruptions, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
   • Example: Expansion of indigenous semiconductor manufacturing initiatives.

Challenges in Achieving Indigenization of Technology:

1. High Dependency on Imports:
   • Critical sectors like electronics and defense still rely heavily on imported components and raw materials.
   • Example: India imports more than 80% of its semiconductor requirements.
2. Inadequate R&D Investment:
   • India’s R&D spending (approximately 0.7% of GDP) lags behind global leaders like the US and China.
3. Technological and Skill Gaps:
   • Lack of advanced technological know-how and skilled professionals hampers efforts in high-tech industries.
4. Intellectual Property Constraints:
   • Dependence on foreign patents and restrictive technology transfer agreements limit domestic innovation.
5. Global Market Competition:
   • Competing with established global players in terms of cost, quality, and scalability remains a challenge.

Way Forward:

1. Strengthening R&D Infrastructure:
   • Increase public and private investment in R&D to bridge the innovation gap.
2. Policy Support and Incentives:
   • Offer incentives for startups and industries engaged in indigenous technology development.
   • Example: The PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme for electronics and solar modules.
3. Collaboration and Technology Transfer:
   • Forge international partnerships for technology transfer while focusing on domestic capacity-building.
4. Skill Development:
   • Train and upskill the workforce in cutting-edge technologies through dedicated programs.
5. Focus on Strategic Sectors:
   • Prioritize indigenization in defense, space, and energy to achieve greater autonomy.
   • Example: ISRO’s strides in satellite technology and the Chandrayaan missions.

Conclusion:

Indigenization of technology is pivotal for realizing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. While significant progress has been made, challenges persist in achieving complete self-reliance. A balanced approach involving enhanced R&D, policy reforms, and global collaborations is essential to overcome these hurdles. By addressing these gaps, India can strengthen its economic, strategic, and technological independence, making Atmanirbhar Bharat a reality.