A Decade of ‘Make in India’: PM Modi Urges Continued Local Support, Innovation, and National Pride

On the 10th anniversary of the ?Make in India? initiative, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the opportunity to urge the people of India to support locally made products, especially during the upcoming festive season.

Speaking in the 114th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat recently, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of nurturing Indian talent and called on creators and innovators to further strengthen the ?Make in India? movement.

His message was a blend of pride, reflection, and a firm belief in the potential of India to emerge as a global manufacturing hub. In his broadcast, PM Modi touched upon the personal significance of the moment, as both the Mann Ki Baat programme and the ?Make in India? initiative complete a decade this year.

??Mann Ki Baat? shows that people appreciate positive stories and inspiring examples. This episode is particularly emotional for me as it marks 10 years since our journey began on Vijayadashami, on October 3, 2014,? he said.

Reflecting on the significance of this year?s anniversary, which falls on the first day of Navratri, Modi expressed gratitude for the engagement and enthusiasm the radio programme has fostered among listeners.

The Evolution and Impact of ?Make in India?

Launched in 2014, the ?Make in India? initiative was conceived to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce dependency on foreign imports, and position India as a leader in global production.

At its inception, the goal was to raise the manufacturing sector?s contribution to India?s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 15% in 2014 to 25% by 2020. While this specific target is still being pursued, the initiative has seen undeniable success, particularly in key industries such as electronics, defence, and toys.

Underpinning the programme was a broader ambition to simplify investment rules, enhance infrastructure, and foster innovation; key factors that have helped elevate India?s standing on the global stage.

One of the initiative?s hallmark achievements has been in the electronics sector. Prime Minister Modi cited mobile manufacturing as a prime example of the programme?s success. In 2014, India had only two mobile manufacturing units; by March 2024, this number had grown to over 200.

Export figures reflect a similar story of exponential growth: mobile exports surged from ?1,556 crore in 2014 to ?1.2 lakh crore by 2024. The Indian Prime Minister highlighted this growth, underscoring how the initiative has helped reduce India?s reliance on foreign imports while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for millions of citizens.

The defence sector, traditionally reliant on foreign imports, has also seen a significant transformation due to the ?Make in India? push. Defence exports rose from ?1,000 crore in 2014 to an impressive ?21,000 crore by 2024, reflecting India?s growing self-reliance in critical areas of national security.

Additionally, the toy manufacturing industry has experienced a remarkable 239% increase in exports over the last 10 years. Modi attributed much of this success to the government?s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which was introduced in April 2020.

The PLI scheme offers financial incentives to companies in 14 key sectors to promote domestic production, incentivising businesses to invest in local manufacturing and create high-quality products for both domestic and global markets.

Vikas (Development) with Virasat (Heritage)

In his speech, PM Modi emphasised the importance of preserving India?s rich cultural heritage alongside the country?s modernisation efforts. He stressed the mantra of Vikas (development) with Virasat (heritage), highlighting how the return of 300 antiquities from the United States during his recent visit demonstrates India?s growing influence in the world.

“When a country takes pride in its heritage, the world respects its sentiments,” Modi stated, adding that over the past decade, India has successfully repatriated numerous artefacts from countries around the world.

These developments, according to the Indian Prime Minister, showcase how India’s soft power is increasingly being recognised and respected globally. The combination of cultural pride and economic growth has positioned India as a nation that honours its past while embracing the future.

The Make in India initiative, in this context, is not just an economic programme but a movement that ties together India?s modern industrial achievements with its cultural identity.

Empowering Citizens through ‘Make in India’

Beyond the significant macroeconomic achievements, PM Modi highlighted how the Make in India initiative has empowered ordinary citizens, especially those in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

He remarked that the initiative has played a vital role in creating opportunities for marginalised communities, giving them the confidence to become wealth creators. ?It has given the poor the wings to dream big and aspire. It has given them the confidence that they, too, can be wealth creators,? Modi said.

Encouraging citizens to make conscious choices, Modi urged people to buy locally made products during festivals and suggested gifting their loved ones items made by Indian artisans. ?Any product made with the sweat of an Indian artisan is our pride; we must always honour this pride,? he said. By supporting local craftsmen and businesses, the Prime Minister believes that every Indian can play a role in bolstering the country?s economy.

The Long Road to ?Atmanirbhar Bharat?

Modi?s reflections on the 10-year journey of ?Make in India? were tied to his broader vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). His government?s focus remains on reducing India?s dependency on foreign goods while fostering innovation and self-sufficiency across all sectors.

Modi?s message was clear: despite the tremendous progress, the work is far from over. ?Much has been achieved, but there is still more to be done,? he said, adding that he remains committed to working tirelessly until the collective goal of a developed, Viksit Bharat (advanced India) is realised.

India?s manufacturing prowess has not gone unnoticed internationally. The Prime Minister stated that global interest in India?s economic rise has been growing, and the country?s strides in manufacturing have contributed to its recognition as a future superpower.

With the fifth-largest economy in the world, India?s position on the global stage is stronger than ever. Modi credited the resilience and innovation of India?s youth, MSMEs, and start-up sector for driving this transformation, while also acknowledging the contributions of farmers, women (Nari Shakti), and the marginalised sections of society.

A Decade of Leadership and Commitment

The 10th anniversary of ?Make in India? coincides with another personal milestone for PM Modi?his completion of 23 years in public office. In a series of reflective posts on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister shared his journey from Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001 to leading the nation as Prime Minister.

Modi recounted the early challenges he faced in Gujarat, from the devastating 2001 Kutch earthquake to managing the fallout of droughts and rebuilding a state marred by years of economic mismanagement.

Despite these challenges, Modi?s tenure in Gujarat became known for rapid industrialisation and economic growth. The state emerged as a model of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (collective efforts, inclusive growth), and these principles have guided his leadership on the national level since 2014.

Reflecting on India?s progress under his administration, Modi pointed to key achievements, including lifting 25 crore people out of poverty and the country?s rise as the fifth-largest global economy.

As he marks these milestones, Modi remains firmly focused on the future. ?I assure my fellow Indians that I will keep working tirelessly, with even more vigour in service. I will not rest until our collective goal of a Viksit Bharat is realised,? he pledged. The Prime Minister?s message was a call to action for every citizen to participate in this shared journey towards a self-reliant and prosperous India.

A Vision for the Next Decade

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister reiterated his government?s commitment to continuing the reforms and policies that have helped shape India?s economic trajectory over the past decade.

He expressed confidence that with the collective resolve of 140 crore Indians, the nation will continue to grow as a global manufacturing hub and innovation powerhouse. As India enters the next decade of ?Make in India,? the government?s focus will be on expanding the initiative to more sectors, fostering innovation, and creating an environment where Indian businesses can thrive.

In conclusion, the Indian Prime Minister?s vision is clear: the Make in India initiative is not just about economic growth, but about empowering citizens, preserving heritage, and fostering a sense of national pride.

As the programme enters its second decade, Modi?s government remains committed to ensuring that every Indian can contribute to and benefit from the country?s rise as a global leader in manufacturing and innovation.