Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Technological indigenization involves the development, adaptation, and production of technologies domestically, reducing reliance on imports. It is essential for India’s economic sovereignty, which is rooted in strategic autonomy, robust national security, and a self-reliant economy.

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Strategic Significance of Technological Indigenization:

• Strategic Autonomy and National Security
  • Reduced Dependency on Imports: Indigenization minimizes reliance on foreign suppliers in critical sectors like defense, energy, and telecommunications.
    • Example: Indigenous missiles like Agni and Prithvi under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) bolster India’s defense capabilities.
  • Mitigating Geopolitical Risks: By reducing exposure to foreign control over critical technologies, indigenization ensures that national security is not compromised during geopolitical tensions.
    • Example: The indigenization of fighter jets like Tejas and submarines like INS Arihant strengthens defense preparedness.
• Economic Sovereignty
  • Boosting Domestic Industries: Local production of technologies fosters industrial growth and job creation.
    • Example: Electronics manufacturing, a key sector under "Make in India," has seen growth, reducing imports.
  • Savings on Import Bills: By developing indigenous capabilities, India can curb outflows of foreign exchange and support its trade balance.
    • Example: Indian scientists have indigenously developed highly stable, low-cost Carbon-based perovskite solar cells with superior thermal and moisture stability
• Fostering Innovation and Technological Sovereignty
  • Promoting R&D: Indigenous technology development encourages research and innovation, enabling India to build a competitive edge in global markets.
    • Example: India’s R&D achievements in space through Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 missions highlight technological advancement.
  • Economic Resilience: Indigenous technologies help insulate India from supply chain disruptions caused by global events, such as the semiconductor shortage during the Covid-19 pandemic and recent Red Sea Crisis.
  • Healthcare Leap: Development of India’s first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, showcased the nation’s self-reliance in biotechnology.
    • Advances in indigenous medical devices and nano-vaccines are reducing import dependency in healthcare.
  • Digital and IT Technologies: Development of Bharat Operating System Solutions (BOSS) as a domestic alternative to foreign operating systems ensures cybersecurity and technological sovereignty.
    • Leap in Unified Payment Interface, Aadhar are paving the way for India’s digital leadership.

Challenges in Achieving Technological Indigenization

• R&D Investment Deficit: India spends only 0.7% of GDP on R&D, significantly lower than countries like the US (2.8%) and China (2.2%).
• Skill Shortages: India is projected to confront a potential skill deficit of 30-32 million people by the end of fiscal 2025 especially in cutting-edge sectors like AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology hampers progress.
• Dependence on Critical Imports: High reliance on foreign-made components such as semiconductors limits self-reliance. ( India imports 95% of its semiconductors from countries like China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore)
• Policy and Ecosystem Gaps: Weak linkages between academia, industry, and government slow down innovation and technology transfer.

Way Forward

• Increased R&D Investments: Raise R&D spending to at least 2% of GDP, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies.
• Skill Development Initiatives: Upskilling programs in emerging fields like AI, renewable energy, and quantum computing should be prioritized under initiatives like Skill India.
• Strengthen Public-Private Collaboration: Promote partnerships between academia, research institutions, and industries to accelerate innovation.
• Focus on Semiconductor Manufacturing: Investments under the Semiconductor Mission must be targeted towards advanced nodes (below 10nm) to remain competitive in cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum computing, and 5G.
• Sector-Specific Policies: Develop targeted policies for critical sectors such as space, defense, healthcare, and agriculture to incentivize indigenous technology adoption.

Conclusion

Technological indigenization is central to India’s economic sovereignty and strategic autonomy. With sustained efforts, indigenization will not only bolster India’s national security but also drive innovation, industrial growth, and global competitiveness, cementing its position as a resilient and self-reliant economy.