Atmanirbhar Bharat

India’s first freedom struggle liberated its land from colonial rule; the second, unfolding today, seeks to free its destiny from dependence. Atmanirbhar Bharat — literally “self-reliant India” — is more than a policy slogan; it is a transformative vision that redefines sovereignty in the twenty-first century. In an era marked by volatile global supply chains, geopolitical uncertainty, and digital disruption, economic independence has become as critical as political independence once was. This paper explores Atmanirbhar Bharat as a contemporary freedom movement — one driven not by protests and petitions, but by innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic statecraft. It examines how initiatives in manufacturing, technology, energy, and infrastructure aim to reduce external vulnerabilities while fostering inclusive, sustainable growth. By tracing the evolution of India’s self-reliance agenda from protectionist roots to globally competitive ambitions, the study argues that Atmanirbhar Bharat represents a paradigm shift: the liberation of India’s potential from structural constraints. Ultimately, it contends that this “second freedom struggle” is about empowering India to shape its own future — resilient, self-sufficient, and confident on the world stage.

Introduction

“If 1947 gave us freedom from foreign rule, can 2025 give us freedom from foreign dependence?” This question captures India’s defining challenge of the 21st century. Political independence was achieved more than seven decades ago, but real freedom is not merely the absence of colonial rulers—it is liberation from economic and technological dependence. As the Economic Times editorial reminds us, “independence is being prosperous” (Economic Times, 2020),1 underscoring that sovereignty today lies in self-sustaining growth rather than symbolic autonomy.

In an interconnected global order, dependence on foreign energy, technology, and supply chains has emerged as a new form of vulnerability. As Reuters highlights, “energy transition is now a national security issue” (Reuters, 2023)2, showing how resilience in strategic sectors has become inseparable from sovereignty. The global disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical rivalries further exposed India’s weaknesses, proving that over-dependence on external actors undermines both economic stability and national security.

It is in this backdrop that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Atmanirbhar Bharat must be understood. As the Atlantic Council asks, “What will the PM’s call for a self-reliant India mean?”

The answer lies in framing it not as isolationism but as the Second Freedom Struggle: a collective movement to achieve sovereignty in economy, technology, culture, and society. This struggle, supported by transformative policies and grassroots participation, seeks to redefine independence as dignity, resilience, and global leadership.

History, however, teaches us that freedom is never won in a single stroke but through continuous struggles. The midnight of 1947 marked the political awakening of India, yet the unfinished task of building an economically self-reliant nation still lingers. Today, the Second Freedom Struggle calls not for battles against colonial rulers but for courage against complacency, innovation against dependency, and collective resolve against global vulnerabilities. To explore this vision, this essay will trace the historical background of India’s independence, the contemporary meaning of self-reliance, the pillars and challenges of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the roadmap for India’s future as a self-reliant global power. The dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat is thus a continuation of the nation’s civilizational journey—from survival to sovereignty, and from sovereignty to self-mastery.

Historical Continuity: From the First to the Second Freedom Struggle

India’s tryst with freedom has always been shaped by the struggle against dependence. The first freedom struggle (1857–1947) was fundamentally a fight against colonial exploitation—political subjugation backed by economic drain. Movements such as Swadeshi and Quit India made it clear that liberation was not only about removing foreign rulers but also about reclaiming control over resources, industries, and dignity. The success of 1947 ended formal colonial rule, but the question of economic self-reliance remained unresolved.

In the decades after independence, India experimented with a socialist model of development, emphasizing state-led planning and protectionism. This strategy fostered initial industrialization but also created inefficiencies. The Green Revolution of the 1960s, however, was a turning point—India’s wheat production doubled within a decade, reducing dependence on food imports and proving the transformative power of self-reliance in agriculture. By the early 1990s, however, balance-of-payments crises forced the nation into liberalization and globalization, opening markets to foreign capital and technology. While this boosted growth—pushing India to become the world’s fifth-largest economy—it also deepened structural dependence on global supply chains (SleepyClasses, 2021).

Recent global crises have once again revealed the costs of this dependence. India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil and over 60% of its electronic goods (Ministry of Commerce, 2022), leaving the economy vulnerable to global price shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted imports of ventilators and PPE kits, while the Ukraine war triggered energy insecurity and food inflation. Yet the crisis also highlighted India’s resilience: within months, India scaled up to become the second-largest producer of PPE kits in the world and later emerged as the pharmacy of the world, exporting over 66 million vaccine doses to 95 countries by 2021. Scholars argue that the pandemic marked a turning point: “Atmanirbhar Bharat is India’s quest for self-reliance post-COVID-19” (ResearchGate, 2020).

Launched in 2020, the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan has been framed as more than a recovery package—it is a civilizational shift. As EPW notes, the initiative “seeks to transform India’s economic architecture by reducing external dependence and promoting indigenous capability” (EPW, 2020)6. At its core, it envisions strengthening MSMEs, which already contribute 30% of India’s GDP and 48% of exports (MSME Ministry, 2022). Thus, the historical continuity is clear: from 1857 to 1947, India fought to end colonial exploitation; from 2020 onwards, it fought to end economic and technological dependency. The Second Freedom Struggle is therefore not about removing foreign rulers, but about ensuring that no external power dictates India’s prosperity.

Economic Front: The New Battlefields of Self-Reliance:

Economic self-reliance forms the core of India’s Second Freedom Struggle. Just as Swadeshi goods powered the first freedom movement, today, domestic production and entrepreneurship are the instruments of sovereignty. The Make in India initiative, launched in 2014, was a strategic effort to boost domestic manufacturing, attract foreign investment, and create jobs, particularly in high-value sectors like electronics, automobiles, and defense (Make in India, n.d.)7. Over the years, this program has helped India rise as the 5th largest manufacturing economy, reflecting the tangible gains of self-reliance.

Complementing this, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme provides targeted financial incentives to companies to produce locally in electronics, solar panels, pharmaceuticals, and critical sectors (Invest India, n.d.). By linking incentives to output, quality, and exports, the PLI Scheme not only strengthens India’s industrial base but also reduces dependence on imports for strategic goods, including medical devices and semiconductors—an essential step in ensuring national security.

Entrepreneurship has emerged as another critical battlefield. Programs like Startup India and Stand-up India have created a robust ecosystem for innovation, capital access, and mentorship (Startup India, n.d.)9. Over 80,000 startups have been recognized under this initiative, generating employment for millions and driving India’s transition from a consumption-driven economy to a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy.

The backbone of employment and inclusive growth, MSMEs, have also been reinforced through targeted credit support, easing access to finance, and ensuring their role as engines of local manufacturing and job creation. Together, these initiatives reflect a multi-pronged economic strategy: encouraging domestic production, incentivizing innovation, and securing strategic industries. In the economic realm, the Second Freedom Struggle is fought not on battlefields but in factories, labs, and entrepreneurial ventures—transforming India from an importer to a global producer.

Technological Front: Reclaiming Digital Sovereignty

If the first freedom struggle was about reclaiming political sovereignty, the second is about mastering technology. In the 21st century, the nations that command data, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence will command the global order. Sovereignty today is not measured merely by territorial control but by the ability to design chips, launch satellites, and safeguard digital networks. Without technological independence, political freedom risks becoming hollow.

Recognizing this, India launched the Digital India initiative in 2015, aimed at bridging the digital divide and empowering citizens through e-governance, connectivity, and digital services (Digital India, n.d.). With over 850 million internet users and one of the world’s lowest-cost digital networks, India has built the foundations of digital empowerment. Yet, as the Times of India reported, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warned that “Digital Swaraj” may remain incomplete so long as India is over-dependent on U.S. tech platforms.

To counter such vulnerabilities, the India Semiconductor Mission (2021) was launched, seeking to build self-sufficiency in semiconductor design, fabrication, and packaging—the invisible backbone of electronics, defense systems, and AI (MeitY, 2021).11 Given that India imports nearly all its chips, this mission represents a strategic leap to prevent supply chain disruptions from becoming sovereignty crises.

Artificial Intelligence has emerged as another frontier. The National AI Strategy envisions India as a global hub for inclusive, ethical, and scalable AI solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and education. By building domestic capability in AI, India not only secures economic competitiveness but also shapes global norms in a domain where values and power are deeply intertwined.

Even beyond Earth, India has sought to affirm technological self-reliance. ISRO’s missions—Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and the upcoming Gaganyaan—symbolize “space sovereignty.” They demonstrate not just scientific skill but also India’s determination to explore, innovate, and lead without dependence on foreign powers.

Together, these efforts reveal the heart of the Second Freedom Struggle: independence is no longer won on battlefields but in data centers, fabrication labs, and launch pads. To be truly free, India must not only consume technology but create it.

Cultural & Social Front: Reviving Roots, Empowering People

If economic power defines resilience and technology ensures sovereignty, then culture anchors identity. A nation that forgets its roots risks becoming dependent not only on foreign goods but also on foreign values. The Vocal for Local campaign, launched during the pandemic, is more than a slogan; it is a call to restore pride in India’s indigenous crafts, handlooms, and local enterprises (PIB 2020). By urging citizens to prefer domestic goods over imported alternatives, the campaign reawakens the spirit of Swadeshi in a modern marketplace.

Complementing this, Geographical Indication (GI) tags have become instruments of cultural self-reliance, protecting and promoting India’s rich heritage—from Kanchipuram silk sarees to Darjeeling tea. These tags not only safeguard authenticity against cheap imitations but also empower local artisans and farmers by linking identity with livelihood. In this sense, cultural sovereignty and economic resilience reinforce one another.

On the social side, India has recognized that self-reliance is incomplete without human capital development. The Skill India Mission seeks to train millions of youth in industry-relevant skills, preparing them for jobs in manufacturing, services, and the digital economy (Skill India, n.d.). Similarly, the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) launched by NITI, or National Institution of Transforming India, Aayog, is fostering female-led innovation, dismantling structural barriers, and enabling women to participate fully in nation-building.

Taken together, these initiatives reflect that Atmanirbhar Bharat is not merely an economic or technological agenda but a cultural and social renaissance. By empowering artisans, protecting heritage, skilling youth, and uplifting women entrepreneurs, India is redefining freedom as dignity, opportunity, and identity.

Strategic & Defense Front: Guarding Freedom and Securing Sovereignty Beyond Borders:

History reminds us that no nation can call itself free if its security depends on others. In 1947, independence was about expelling foreign rulers; in 2025, it is about eliminating foreign dependence on defense and energy. India has long been the world’s largest arms importer—a vulnerability that leaves national security at the mercy of global supply chains. As Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted in her ET Exclusive interview, defense indigenisation is not just a policy goal but a security imperative (ET, 2023).13 Through initiatives like Make in India for Defence and the creation of positive indigenisation lists, India is steadily replacing imports with domestically designed fighter jets, drones, and naval systems. Each indigenous weapon built is not only a military asset but also a brick in the fortress of true sovereignty.

But modern wars are not fought only with missiles and tanks. They are fought with energy flows, supply chains, and climate resilience. The Russia–Ukraine conflict showed how fuel dependence can paralyze economies, turning energy into a weapon. Reuters has rightly described the energy transition as a national security issue (Reuters, 2023).14 Recognizing this, India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023), envisioning the country as a global hub for clean energy production and exports (MNRE, 2023).15 By reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and embracing Solar and wind, India is preparing its economy to withstand external shocks while leading the world in climate-friendly growth.

Together, defense indigenisation and the green energy transition represent the twin shields of Atmanirbhar Bharat. One protects the nation’s borders from external threats, while the other insulates its economy from global turbulence. Just as the Swadeshi movement once united Indians in spinning khadi as an act of defiance, today building indigenous fighter aircraft or producing green hydrogen is an act of freedom.

In this way, the Second Freedom Struggle is not an abstract idea—it is happening in factories, research labs, and power plants across India. It is about soldiers armed with Indian-made weapons, cities lit by Indian-made renewable energy, and citizens assured that their nation’s independence is not negotiable.

If the first freedom struggle was about reclaiming political borders, the second is about protecting strategic autonomy. For decades, India has been the world’s largest arms importer, a paradox for a nation that aspires to global leadership. As highlighted in an ET Exclusive interview with Nirmala Sitharaman, defense indigenisation is no longer optional—it is vital for survival (ET, 2023). Through initiatives like the Defence Indigenisation Policy, the government is steadily reducing imports by nurturing domestic production of fighter jets, drones, and missile systems. Each step towards self-reliance in defense represents a step away from external vulnerability, ensuring that India’s security is not hostage to foreign suppliers.

Yet sovereignty in the 21st century extends beyond weaponry. Wars today are also fought through oil pipelines, gas corridors, and energy flows. The Russia–Ukraine conflict made this clear: energy dependence can destabilize nations as effectively as armed conflict. As Reuters has noted, the energy transition has become a matter of national security, not just climate responsibility (Reuters, 2023). Responding to this reality, India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023), with the vision of positioning the country as a global hub for clean hydrogen production (MNRE, 2023). By scaling renewable power and reducing fossil fuel imports, India is fortifying its economic independence against global shocks while aligning with its sustainability commitments.

Together, defense indigenisation and energy independence form the twin shields of Atmanirbhar Bharat. One secures the nation’s borders from external threats; the other secures its economy from geopolitical disruptions. Just as khadi became the fabric of resistance in the first freedom struggle, indigenous defense systems and green hydrogen have become the emblems of sovereignty in the second.

Citizen Engagement: When Freedom Becomes Personal

Imagine a weaver in Varanasi, stitching a silk saree by lamplight, choosing an Indian-spun thread over a cheaper import—not because someone mandates it, but because she knows that every rupee spent locally builds a nation. Freedom struggles succeed not just in policy papers, but in the hearts of citizens. The first freedom movement gained momentum when ordinary people boycotted foreign cloth in 1905, turning their daily choices into political statements. Today, the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission similarly invites every consumer to become a custodian of self-reliance—by choosing local startups, khadi, and MSMEs over imports.

In 2025, this is not just nostalgic rhetoric but lived reality: markets in Indore and Bhopal now boast Vocal for Local banners, selfie-points promoting Indian-made goods, and traders pledging to stock only “Made in India” products (TOI News, 2025)16. These gestures may seem small—but they signal a shift: people voluntarily transforming shopping into an act of citizenship. In a recent appeal, Prime Minister Modi urged Indians to “get rid of foreign products and support local ones,” reinforcing the idea that making patriotic purchases is itself a contribution to the national cause (Reuters, 2025).

True engagement becomes unstoppable when it scales. The UPI (Unified Payments Interface) story is a perfect example of citizens driving sovereignty through everyday choices. Initially launched in 2016, UPI was meant to simplify banking transactions—but it became much more: a digital freedom movement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, its adoption surged as people sought contactless, efficient, and trustworthy means to transact (PIB, 2024)17. Today, UPI processes billions of transactions monthly—handling over 75 % of India’s retail digital payments (NPCI data).18 Its openness and interoperability allowed even small vendors and street-side stalls to accept digital payments without barriers, making “digital sovereignty” a citizen-led revolution.

What makes UPI remarkable is not just technology, but trust: vendors use voice-boxes that read out received payments, so even shopkeepers unfamiliar with texting can confirm income (PIB, 2024)19. Ordinary citizens—women, migrants, daily-wage workers—became agents in a quiet revolution. Their adoption of UPI signaled consent to digital rights, transparency, and inclusion. Each QR scan is a pledge: I trust this system, and thereby I own a part of India’s digital independence.

When policies invite participation and citizens respond, the freedom struggle ceases to be top-down and becomes a mass cause. The Second Freedom Struggle doesn’t ask for heroes; it trusts individuals to act—by choosing local, transacting digitally, and reinforcing that India’s independence must ultimately belong to the people.

Challenges & Counterpoints: The Fine Line Between Self-Reliance and Isolation

Every freedom struggle has its dilemmas, and the second one is no exception. The call for Atmanirbhar Bharat inspires hope, but it also raises tough questions. Can self-reliance become a slippery slope toward isolationism? The East Asia Forum warns that while India seeks autonomy, “a self-reliant India still needs the outside world”—for trade, technology, and strategic partnerships (East Asia Forum, 2023).20 Closing doors in the name of sovereignty risks protectionism, which history has shown can stifle innovation and competitiveness. The challenge is not about rejecting globalization, but about reshaping it on India’s terms.

Another challenge lies in inequality. The digital and economic dividends of self-reliance often flow disproportionately to urban centers, leaving rural India behind. While Digital India has expanded connectivity, SleepyClasses critiques highlight the stubborn gaps: inadequate rural infrastructure, poor internet penetration in remote regions, and uneven skilling outcomes (SleepyClasses, 2022).21 If Atmanirbhar Bharat is to avoid becoming an elite-driven project, it must bridge these divides and ensure that self-reliance is inclusive, not exclusive.

Even when policies are bold, practice can lag. The Atlantic Council notes that schemes like the PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) have achieved remarkable success in mobile manufacturing, turning India into a global assembly hub, but progress in sectors like solar panels and semiconductors has been much slower (Atlantic Council, 2021). This gap between policy intent and ground execution reveals a systemic weakness—India must not only announce ambitious programs but also build ecosystems that can sustain them.

Finally, despite the rhetoric of independence, some dependencies remain stubborn. India still imports over 80% of its crude oil, and critical minerals essential for batteries, semiconductors, and green energy come largely from foreign suppliers (East Asia Forum, 2023). Until these vulnerabilities are addressed, self-reliance will remain partial, reminding us that the struggle is ongoing.

In sum, the promise of Atmanirbhar Bharat lies in striking a delicate balance: embracing global integration without dependency, ensuring inclusivity without leaving the rural poor behind, and translating visionary policies into everyday practice. Only by confronting these counterpoints honestly can the movement mature into a sustainable second freedom struggle.

Lessons from Abroad: Global Pathways to Self-Reliance

India is not the first nation to dream of self-reliance. Across history, societies have wrestled with the same question: how to modernize without losing autonomy. The story of Japan’s Meiji Restoration (1868) is an early lesson. By selectively importing Western technology while preserving cultural heritage, Japan transformed itself from a feudal state into a modern industrial power within a generation. The model demonstrated that true independence lies not in rejecting the world but in mastering it on one’s own terms.

Fast-forward to the 20th century, South Korea crafted a different path. Through state-led industrial planning, it nurtured global giants like Samsung and Hyundai, proving that small nations could rise as global leaders by combining domestic capability with export orientation. Similarly, China’s large-scale industrial planning, especially post-1978 reforms, created massive infrastructure and manufacturing ecosystems that positioned it as the “world’s factory.” Yet, as scholars on ResearchGate note, these examples also underline the risks of over-centralization and external backlash, teaching India that adaptation—not imitation—is the key (ResearchGate, 2021)22.

For India, these global experiences offer both inspiration and caution. As a CEEEP policy analysis on the “Make in India” experience points out, large-scale industrialization must be paired with strong institutional capacity and social investment; otherwise, it risks becoming an uneven or exclusionary growth story. Likewise, the East Asia Forum reminds us that global engagement is Indispensable—self-reliance cannot mean isolation, but rather resilience within interdependence.

The lesson is clear: India must craft a hybrid model—leveraging domestic strength while strategically engaging with global markets. The Meiji spirit of modernization, Korea’s innovation-driven exports, and China’s scale of planning all offer reference points, but India’s journey must remain uniquely its own: democratic, inclusive, and rooted in its civilizational ethos.

Roadmap for the Future: Building the Second Freedom

If the first freedom struggle demanded sacrifice and vision, the second demands something equally exacting: discipline, innovation, and a collective resolve that binds policy to people. The blueprints of progress are already sketched out in India’s many policy documents, yet ambition without execution remains a dream deferred. What India needs today is not just policy but a living roadmap—one that transforms ambition into hardware, ideas into outcomes, and ordinary citizens into active partners of a national mission.

The story begins with research and innovation. India has doubled its Gross Expenditure on R&D in just a decade, growing from about ₹60,000 crore in 2013–14 to over ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2025. This is no small feat, but it still pales in comparison to global innovation leaders. More worryingly, most of this investment still comes from the public sector, while private firms—despite their global ambitions—allocate only 3–5% of their budgets to R&D, a level considered dangerously low in today’s competitive economy. The government has responded with initiatives like the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development & Innovation Fund and the ₹2,277 crore CSIR capacity-building scheme, but the real test lies in ensuring that these sparks ignite an ecosystem where universities, startups, and industries collaborate seamlessly. Unless innovation moves from paper to practice, India’s technological dreams may never materialize.

The same urgency applies to industrial policy. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has already transformed electronics and mobile manufacturing, with over 800 projects approved across 14 sectors. Yet, the world is not standing still. Climate change, pandemics, and supply chain disruptions have shown that India cannot rely on old industrial recipes. To future-proof its economy, the PLI must expand into green technologies, medtech, and clean energy. Imagine a “PLI 2.0” that rewards not just production volumes but also sustainability, backward linkages, and value addition—one where solar panels, batteries, and medical devices become as iconic as smartphones in India’s growth story.

But policies, however ambitious, remain fragile unless stitched into a fabric of partnerships. The ecosystem of innovation must evolve from a patchwork of silos into a collaborative network where academia, startups, industry, and government co-design solutions. This means expanding innovation clusters, connecting IITs and CSIR labs with private players, and using challenge-driven grants rather than mere subsidies. The future will be written not in isolated labs but in shared spaces where Indian ingenuity meets global capital, where deep-tech incubators and multinational R&D teams partner with Indian startups to create solutions for the world. 24 “Global Engagement Lessons,” East Asia Forum, 2023. Available at: East Asia Forum

Yet, all of these risks become an elite story unless digital access is made inclusive. Self-reliance cannot afford to leave India’s hinterlands behind. The rural household without broadband, the youth without digital skills, the villagers unable to navigate online services—all risk being excluded from the new India that policymakers envision. Expanding last-mile connectivity, embedding digital literacy in regional languages, and setting up mobile training hubs are not mere “add-ons” but the foundation of genuine self-reliance. For Atmanirbhar Bharat to have meaning, the child in a remote village must feel as connected to opportunity as the graduate in Bengaluru or Delhi.

Equally critical is governance. High-budget schemes are notorious for leakages, and no dream, however noble, can survive in a system riddled with inefficiencies. Here, the solution lies in transparency—real-time dashboards, open-data audits, and blockchain-enabled tracking of subsidies and grants. Governance must evolve from a culture of opacity to one of accountability, where citizens trust that their taxes and efforts are not vanishing into bureaucratic black holes but fueling the future.

And above all, self-reliance cannot be engineered solely from the top down. The greatest strength of India’s first freedom struggle was not the charisma of leaders alone, but the participation of ordinary people who spun their own yarn, boycotted imported cloth, and transformed consumption into resistance. That same spirit must be rekindled today in a Swadeshi 2.0—a cultural movement where citizens see themselves as partners in nation-building, not passive consumers. Whether it is buying from local startups, celebrating artisans, or teaching the next generation the ethics of choice, every act of consumption becomes an act of citizenship.

In the end, the second freedom struggle is not fought on battlefields but in boardrooms, classrooms, laboratories, and households. Its weapons are not salt or satyagraha, but silicon, sustainability, and self-belief. And its outcome will not be measured in colonial treaties but in the dignity of a billion people who can say with confidence: India is not just self-reliant, it is self-assured.

Conclusion: The Second Freedom Struggle

The first freedom struggle liberated India's land; the second must liberate its potential. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that "there is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows, and that is a self-reliant India". This vision is not merely a slogan but a call to action—a collective endeavor to transform India into a self-reliant, innovative, and inclusive nation.

As we embark on this journey, let us remember that true freedom lies in our ability to harness our strengths, innovate relentlessly, and empower every citizen. The path to a 'Viksit Bharat' is paved with resilience, collaboration, and unwavering belief in our collective potential.

In the words of the Prime Minister, "Let us come together in collective efforts to achieve the resolve of a developed and self-reliant India". This is our moment to rise, to build, and to secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

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