EconomicsSource: Press Information Bureau
Make in India: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Achievements and Challenges
Saturday, 26 September 2026
Read Original ArticleKey Points
The 'Make in India' initiative, marking its 12th anniversary, has significantly bolstered India's manufacturing sectors, including electronics and defense. This matters for UPSC aspirants, particularly for GS Paper 3, as it relates to economic development and industrial growth. Last Updated: 26-09-2026
Key Facts About Make in India
- Launch: Initiated on 25th September 2014 to transform India into a global manufacturing hub.
- Objective: Driven by "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" to facilitate investment and innovation.
- Make in India 2.0: Launched in February 2021, focusing on 27 priority sectors.
- Electronics Production: Increased from ₹1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ₹13.11 lakh crore in 2025-26.
- Automotive Industry Growth: Vehicle production rose to 31.03 million units in 2024-25.
- Defense Indigenisation: Indigenous production value surged by 283% from 2014 to 2026.
- Pharmaceuticals Turnover: Reached ₹5,08,630 crore by 2025-26.
- PLI Scheme: Attracted ₹2.6 lakh crore in investment, generating ₹23.8 lakh crore in production.
India's Industrial Growth and Global Position
The 'Make in India' initiative is pivotal for India's economic and strategic goals, aiming to elevate the manufacturing sector's GDP share to 25%. Despite challenges, such as stagnant global export shares and private investment shortfalls, the initiative has positioned India as a significant player in global manufacturing, particularly in electronics and defense. Comparatively, India's manufacturing growth is robust, yet it strives for greater global market penetration.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3: Economic Development, Industrial Growth, and Infrastructure.
- Prelims Angle: Questions could focus on the launch date, objectives, and key sectors of 'Make in India'.
- Mains Angle: Analytical themes include the impact of 'Make in India' on economic growth and employment.
- Essay Paper: Topics on industrial policy and economic reforms.
FAQ Section
- What is the 'Make in India' initiative? It is a government program launched on 25th September 2014 to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by enhancing investment, innovation, and infrastructure.
- Why is 'Make in India' important? It aims to increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP, boost exports, and create jobs, aligning with India's economic and strategic objectives.
- What are the key features of 'Make in India'? Key features include the focus on 27 priority sectors, significant growth in electronics and defense manufacturing, and the introduction of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Detailed Coverage
- Launch: Initiated on 25th September 2014 to transform India into a global manufacturing hub.
- Core Philosophy: Driven by "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" to facilitate investment and innovation.
- Major Achievements: Electronics production surged, positioning India as a leading mobile phone manufacturer.
- Automotive Growth: Vehicle production increased by 33%, with significant growth in various segments.
- Defence Production: Indigenous defense production value surged by 283% from 2014 to 2026.
- Steel Production: Crude steel production rose from 81.7 million to 170 million tonnes.
- Pharmaceuticals: India ranks 3rd in volume; significant domestic breakthroughs achieved.
- PLI Scheme: Attracted ₹2.6 lakh crore in investment, creating 14.6 lakh jobs.
- Aerospace Developments: HAL operationalized its third LCA Tejas Mk1A assembly line.
- Concerns: Stagnant GDP share and sluggish global export performance.
- Private Investment Challenges: Declining private-sector capital formation.
- FDI Disparities: Manufacturing FDI growth lagging behind overall FDI.
- Employment Issues: Job growth in manufacturing has not met expectations.
- Future Measures: Focus on localization, tech parks, R&D support, and logistics integration.
- Conclusion: Strong foundation established, but deeper value chains and innovation needed for global leadership.
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