Daily Mains Question – GS 3 – 21st July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
Welcome to your daily Mains Model Answer — crafted to unpack the interplay between national self-reliance, innovation ecosystems, and strategic autonomy, as examined in GS Paper 3. Today’s question critically explores how Atmanirbhar Bharat is evolving from a focus on manufacturing independence to the broader imperative of achieving technological sovereignty.
In an era marked by rapid technological shifts, global supply chain vulnerabilities, and increasing digital interdependence, the capacity of a nation to develop, control, and secure its own critical technologies has become a cornerstone of economic and strategic strength. This discussion holds high relevance for GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology, Economic Development, Security), while also offering crucial insights into themes like innovation-led growth, national security, and India’s position in emerging global tech diplomacy — themes that resonate across GS Paper 3, the Essay paper, and interview discussions.
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Q. “Atmanirbhar Bharat is not just about manufacturing independence, but about technological sovereignty.” – Comment.
Answer: The concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat has transcended its initial focus on reducing import dependency. In a technology-driven global order, it now emphasizes achieving technological sovereignty—the ability to design, develop, and deploy indigenous technologies across critical sectors. This sovereignty is essential for ensuring strategic autonomy, economic security, and resilience to global disruptions.
Why Technological Sovereignty is Central to Atmanirbhar Bharat:
National Security & Strategic Autonomy
Indigenous defence tech (e.g., LCA Tejas, INS Vikrant) prevents reliance on foreign systems during conflicts.
Enhances decision-making independence in defence and foreign policy.
Resilience to Global Disruptions: Reduces vulnerability to supply chain disruptions, export bans, and sanctions (e.g., semiconductor shortages during COVID-19).
Value Addition & IP Creation
Innovation and technology design capture more value than assembly.
Potential to increase India’s electronics market share from 3.4% to 15% by 2030 (NITI Aayog).
Skilled Employment Generation: Creates jobs in high-skill sectors: AI, aerospace, biotechnology, clean energy.
Critical Infrastructure Control: Sovereign platforms (e.g., UPI, Aadhaar) protect user data and ensure secure service delivery.
Key Sectors Driving Technological Sovereignty:
Sector | Key Initiatives / Examples |
Space Technology | Indigenous launchers (PSLV, GSLV Mk-III), NavIC navigation, private startups under IN-SPACe. |
Defence | DRDO systems (Astra missile, ATAGS), shift from license production to original design. |
Semiconductors | India Semiconductor Mission (2021), Design-Linked Incentives (DLI), chip fabrication plans. |
Biotechnology | Bio-E3 policy, Covaxin, indigenous vaccine and biofoundry ecosystem. |
Green Technology | National Green Hydrogen Mission, solar cell manufacturing, ethanol blending program, EV battery tech. |
Digital & AI | BharatGPT, ONDC, DigiLocker; National Quantum Mission (₹6,000 crore). |
Agriculture | Agri-drones, gene-edited crops (SDN-1/2), digital agri-tech platforms, biofortified seeds. |
Nuclear Energy | PHWRs, PFBR, SMR roadmap for decentralised nuclear energy. |
Medical Tech | PLI schemes for APIs, diagnostics, Mission Samarth for indigenous med-tech innovation. |
Innovation Ecosystem | Deep-tech startups, technology transfers (e.g., from DRDO), international collaborations (India–US iCET, Indo-France Clean Tech). |
Challenges to Technological Sovereignty:
R&D spending at just ~0.7% of GDP (global average ~2.2%).
Skill shortages in frontier tech (AI, semiconductors, biotech).
Hardware sector lacks deep-tech funding and scale.
Import dependency in critical minerals (e.g., rare earths).
Way Forward:
Increase R&D spending to at least 2% of GDP.
Build academia–industry–startup linkages for collaborative innovation.
Set up tech clusters and testbeds for emerging technologies.
Promote STEM skilling in AI, quantum, biotech, robotics.
Leverage tech diplomacy for joint development and strategic gains.
In the 21st century, Atmanirbharta must be rooted in technological sovereignty. Mere self-sufficiency in production is inadequate unless India can also design, innovate, and control the core technologies underpinning its economy and security. Sovereignty in technology is no longer optional—it is the foundation of India’s economic independence, national power, and global stature.
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