As 'Make in India' turns 10, PM Modi celebrates major milestones

The 'Make in India' campaign, initiated in 2014, aimed to enhance the country's manufacturing capabilities and reduce import dependency. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the 10th anniversary of this initiative, highlighting India's significant achievements in manufacturing and its growing influence in the global economy.

In a LinkedIn post, Modi called the initiative a "roaring success," emphasizing its transformation of India from an import-reliant nation to an emerging manufacturing powerhouse. He attributed this progress to the "tireless efforts" of the people, referring to them as pioneers, visionaries, and innovators. "The impact of 'Make in India' shows that Bharat is unstoppable," he stated.

The campaign, launched in 2014, sought to invigorate India's manufacturing sector and lessen dependence on imports. Prime Minister Modi pointed to the extraordinary growth in mobile manufacturing as a key achievement, noting that the sector has expanded from just two units in 2014 to over 200 today. Mobile exports have surged from ₹1,556 crore to ₹1.2 lakh crore, a staggering 7,500% increase.

Additionally, Modi highlighted that 99% of mobile phones used in India are now produced domestically, making the country the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally. Other sectors, including steel, semiconductors, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and defense, have also experienced substantial growth.

India has become a net exporter of finished steel, with semiconductor manufacturing investments surpassing ₹1.5 lakh crore and new plants poised to produce over seven crore chips daily. In renewable energy, India ranks as the 4th largest producer globally, with capacity increasing by 400% over the past decade. The electric vehicle industry, virtually non-existent in 2014, is now valued at $3 billion.

The prime minister also praised the defense sector, where exports have grown from ₹1,000 crore to ₹21,000 crore, reaching over 85 nations. He highlighted the toy industry's success, with exports rising by 239% while imports have halved, benefiting local manufacturers.

Modi emphasized that the 'Make in India' initiative has been instrumental in empowering ordinary citizens, particularly in the MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector, giving them the confidence to become wealth creators. Government measures like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes have driven significant investments, created millions of jobs, and improved ease of doing business.

"Many of the icons of today’s India – our Vande Bharat trains, BrahMos missiles, and the mobile phones in our hands – all proudly bear the Make in India label. From electronics to the space sector, it represents Indian ingenuity and quality," Modi said.

Reflecting on the past decade, Modi expressed immense pride in the progress made, crediting the strength and skills of 140 crore Indians. He noted that the 'Make in India' imprint is now visible across various sectors, including those previously thought beyond reach.