The solution could be the key to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by the 100th anniversary of independence. The rate of urbanisation in India is unprecedented. World Bank projections predict that by 2036 nearly 600 million people will be living in urban areas, around 40% of the country’s population. These urban centres already account for nearly 70% of the country’s GDP. The success of this urban transition will have a profound impact on India’s development trajectory towards 2047. Economic growth has been focussed in metropolitan India for many years. But the congestion, the skyrocketing property values, pollution, and infrastructure strain are compelling enterprises and citizens to seek alternatives to the traditional urban sites. At the same time, better roads, information technology, airports, industrial corridors and government infrastructure initiatives are making it more appealing to live in smaller cities. Investment and employment hub cities like Indore, Surat, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Jaipur, Kochi, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Chandigarh and Raipur are quickly transforming. Lower operating costs, affordable housing, a growing talent pool, and a better quality of life are some of the advantages these cities have over many metropolitan regions.

The growth of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities is not a demographic phenomenon, but an economic one as well. One of the main reasons for this change is the price. The cost of living in smaller cities is still much less expensive than in metropolitan India. There are many cities like Indore, Lucknow, Coimbatore where the prices of houses are not so high as that of Mumbai or Bengaluru. These cities offer opportunities to middle class families to own homes, get good education, and live a better life without the burden of a big city. These benefits are also becoming apparent to businesses. Traditionally, Global Capability Centres are dominated by cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune, and are now increasingly moving to cities like Jaipur, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore and Chandigarh. These areas are becoming popular destinations for international companies thanks to the availability of skilled people and the low operating costs.

Sources: World Bank Urbanization Report, NITI Aayog Vision Documents, Economic Survey 2025-26, Invest India, PIB releases.

Another important factor is infrastructure development. India has been investing in expressways, modernization of airports, railways, digital infrastructure and logistics over the past decade. The distance between smaller cities and major economic hubs has been shortened with projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial corridor, Bharatmala, Dedicated Freight Corridors, and regional airport expansion. This is also reflected in policy dialogues, as the government places greater importance on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time and again emphasised the importance of smaller cities acting as new growth centres of the Indian Economy. Likewise, NITI Aayog has emphasised on sustainable urban planning, skill development, and infrastructure development in newly developing urban centres. This has been further speeded up by technology. The young do not have to leave rural areas to join the modern economy as they did in the past. The economic disadvantages of smaller cities have been diminished by remote working, digital commerce, fintech platforms, online education, telemedicine and digital public infrastructure. The success of Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cheap Internet connectivity, and smart phone penetration has helped Bharat’s entrepreneurs gain access to national and global markets.

A start-up from Indore or Bhubaneswar today can cater to the needs of people all over the world. The digital democratization of opportunity is one of the most robust ones that underpin the growth of Bharat. This is reflected in the real estate industry as well. Housing affordability is a problem in metro areas, but Tier-2 cities remain popular destinations for home buyers and investors. According to industry reports, the demand in smaller cities is getting higher because of the improved connectivity, higher employment opportunities, and lower acquisition costs. This is contributing to the development of local ecosystems of consumption, investment and entrepreneurship. The education system is also changing. City-based institutions like Prayagraj, Indore, Mysuru and Bhubaneswar are seeing a rise in the number of multidisciplinary degree courses and industry-oriented curricula. This is helping to diminish the reliance on the historical “educational hubs” that are based in the metro area and allowing for local talent to develop.

However, the rise of Bharat is not without challenges

In many Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, urban governance remains weak, municipal finances are inadequate, public transport systems are not robust and healthcare facilities are lacking. Larger metros have encountered problems with water supply, waste disposal, air pollution and unplanned urban growth that are likely to be repeated here. Experts believe that to attain the goals of Viksit Bharat, urban governance reforms will be necessary. The cities must be more financially independent, have stronger local institutions, have a better planning capacity and have more citizen involvement in order to effectively manage future growth.

Skill development is also a key challenge. Despite the number of graduates being produced by smaller cities, there are still more industries reporting a lack of job-ready graduates. This will need increased partnership between education, industry and government. Another topic that is not to be ignored involves climate resilience. Urban populations will grow and put pressure on water resource, energy systems, transportation systems and environmental sustainability. The need to address climate adaptation issues in urban planning from the beginning is clear for India to prevent future crises.

Yet despite these challenges, the broader direction is clear

In many countries, economic development has been concentrated in a few big cities, before trickling down to secondary cities. It looks like India is moving towards this second phase. The supremacy of a few metropolitan cities is slowly being replaced by a more diversified model of development in which smaller cities have a bigger role in the development of the country. The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 cannot be realised through a few megacities alone.A few megacities cannot meet the requirements of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The nation requires hundreds of vibrant, bustling cities that can create jobs, draw investments, encourage innovation and enhance the quality of life. The future of India may not be defined by Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, but perhaps by Indore, Surat, Lucknow, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Nagpur, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam.

The story of Viksit Bharat will thus not be about India vs Bharat. It will be about Bharat being the strongest of the Indian strengths. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are no longer the supporting actors in India’s growth story as the nation heads towards 2047. They are now playing a more dominant role as the primary scene where the next chapter in India’s development can be written. With proper policies, investments and governance reforms, Bharat can very well become the Viksit Bharat which India aspires to be.

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In today’s world, AI assistants like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are transforming the pace of our daily routines. If you give them an instruction, they can analyse the internet in moments. For example, if you ask them to find a restaurant, they will instantly study the available options, their ratings, and menus, and with your approval, they can take you straight to the booking page. However, for the final step of transferring money, they still have to wait for your confirmation: such as an OTP or PIN.

Now consider this automated process in a more structured way. Imagine a possible future where your AI system automatically handles your everyday bills: paying the electricity bill before the due date, depositing school fees on time, or clearing your car instalment ahead of schedule. This is a workflow where, no matter how advanced the AI assistance is, it prepares all the data and takes you to the payment page, but the process stops at the final stage when the money actually needs to be deducted.

This is not a shortcoming. It is the strength of India’s secure payment infrastructure. India has made PIN and OTP mandatory to keep people’s money protection as the highest priority. To move beyond this structure, on 18 March 2026, global technology institutions introduced the ‘Machine Payments Protocol’ (MPP). It is an effort to develop a secure technical system in which you set a spending limit for your AI assistant. Within this limit, the AI becomes capable of making payments on its own without repeatedly asking for PIN or OTP.

If India implements this successfully, the need for repeated confirmations in digital transactions could decrease significantly, saving people’s valuable time. This technology not only increases convenience but also presents a strong possibility of laying a solid foundation for a secure and reliable future.

The New Direction of Digital Payments: When Machines Transact with Each Other

Payment methods have changed very rapidly in the last few decades. From cards and internet banking to the widespread success of UPI in India, we have made the process of sending money from one person to another extremely easy and fast. Today, UPI is a strong digital foundation of the Indian economy.

Now technology has reached a new turning point. Due to the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI, smart devices have become connected to the internet. Machines can now understand their own needs. For instance, a smart refrigerator can estimate that the milk is finished, or sensors in an electric car can detect that it needs to go to a charging station.

The real benefit of automation will come only when these machines can transact money with each other at their own level for purchasing goods or availing services. If machines still have to seek OTP or permission from a human for every small payment, then this technology will lose its real advantage. The need for the ‘Machine Payments Protocol’ (MPP) is precisely to solve this problem. Currently, machines are limited only to our instructions. The goal of MPP is to provide them with a secure framework so that they can handle their small expenses themselves without repeated human approvals.

Technical Structure and Working of MPP

MPP is not a mobile app or software. It is a global standard created for the internet. Just as there are traffic rules for driving on the road, MPP is a technical ‘rule book’ for money transactions by machines on the internet.

The interesting thing is that the roots of this standard are quite old. In the 1990s, when the internet was just beginning, scientists clearly anticipated that in the future, not only humans but machines too would make payments themselves on the internet. Therefore, they kept one code of the internet (‘HTTP 402’) reserved for this future technical need. But at that time, technology had not advanced enough, so that code remained unused for decades.

Recently, one of the world’s largest digital payment companies, ‘Stripe’, and a technology investment company ‘Paradigm’ have together given new life to this unused code and converted it into a secure payment system for machines. Let us understand it with an example. When we make an online purchase, we see a ‘web page’ with a ‘cart’ and a ‘Pay’ button. But machines do not need web pages; they only need direct technical messages.

Suppose in Delhi you need to travel one stop to another on a local bus, with a fare of ₹20. In such a scenario, in the future, your AI assistant could connect with the bus service’s digital system. As soon as you board the bus, the system could signal that the fare for this journey is ₹20. If you have already given permission to your AI assistant to make payments, it can pay the ₹20 without entering any OTP or PIN.

However, the real challenge here is not ‘user permission’ but the ‘process happening at the system level’. If for every small payment (like ₹20) the complete payment process: request, verification, and confirmation; between the AI and the bus system has to run separately every time, then it can become technically slow and heavy. To solve this problem, MPP proposes the concept of ‘Session’. Under this, an ‘active session’ can be created for a fixed time or limit (for example, ₹1,500 per week). This means the AI does not need to repeat the entire payment process again and again. It can make many small payments quickly within one session. And as soon as the limit is about to be reached, the session can end or fresh permission may be required.

In this way, the difference is that earlier every transaction was a separate process, while in a ‘session’ the same work can happen as one continuous, optimised process; making the system faster and more efficient.

Machine Payments at the Global Level: Preparation by Major Technology and Banking Companies

The idea of payments between machines is no longer limited to theory. Major technology and financial companies around the world are working to turn it into reality. In the technology sector, America’s digital payment company ‘Stripe’ and technology investment company ‘Paradigm’ are jointly developing and promoting MPP. Their goal is clear: in the future, when AI systems buy data or computing power from cloud servers, that payment should be completely automatic. In this preparation, the leading AI company ‘OpenAI’ is updating its products to align with this new payment system. Similarly, ‘Google’ has been continuously researching since September 2025 to give its AI agents the capability to make payments automatically.

Along with this, the global banking sector is also preparing to join this new machine economy of MPP. Banks are trying to understand how they will securely authenticate and manage millions or billions of small transactions between these machines. In this sequence, ‘Mastercard’ has developed a new technology called ‘Agent-Pay’. Its successful pilot has been conducted with several major Asian banks, including HSBC and DBS in Hong Kong, UOB in Singapore, and CIMB in Malaysia.

All these global trials and preparations indicate that machine-to-machine (M2M) payments could prove to be one of the most important technologies driving the global digital economy in the future.

India’s Strong Position: UPI’s Success and a New Opportunity for AI Payments

Whenever digital payments are discussed around the world, India’s name comes up prominently. More than 22 billion UPI transactions every month show how rapidly Indians have adopted digital payments. The biggest reason for this success is people’s trust, which exists because of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s strict security policies. To protect ordinary citizens’ money, from 1 April 2026, using ‘PIN’ along with ‘OTP’ or ‘fingerprint’ at the time of payment has been made even more strictly mandatory.

Now, when it comes to integrating new technology like AI into this trusted system, an interesting situation arises. AI systems can work very fast automatically, but they do not have fingerprints or faces, while India has now made these mandatory for payments. This could have been a major obstacle for any country, but India’s technology sector has taken it as a positive opportunity. Indian fintech companies are working to develop a new technical method in which AI payments remain within RBI’s strict security framework even without machine biometrics.

If India succeeds in resolving this challenge, it will mean we will have a system where, on one hand, AI works completely automatically, and on the other, the common man’s money remains fully secure. Because of India’s own strict rules, there is a strong possibility here for MPP-like technology to become the world’s safest version, and India can show the entire world how to run AI and financial security together.

Potential Solution in India: How ‘UPI Reserve Pay’ Works

Keeping in mind the challenge that AI does not have biometrics, the Indian fintech sector is working on a technical framework that maintains both security and automation. In February 2026, at the ‘India AI Impact Summit’, a significant demonstration was presented. NPCI, in collaboration with leading fintech companies like Razorpay, showcased agentic payments powered by UPI Reserve Pay. This demo illustrated how an AI assistant (such as Claude) can handle ordering and payments on food delivery platforms on behalf of the user within a single conversation, without repeated interventions.

The entire system is based on the concept of ‘UPI Reserve Pay’. Its working is easy to understand. Whenever a user wants to give payment permission to their AI assistant, they set a spending limit (for example, ₹2,500) in their UPI app. While setting this limit, the user has to provide their PIN or fingerprint. In this way, the user’s identity authentication is completed even before the AI starts working. After this one-time secure authentication, the AI can carry out transactions up to that fixed amount without repeatedly asking for a PIN. From a technical and regulatory point of view, this process stays within RBI’s security standards because no funds can be reserved without the user’s secure identity proof.

In this system, the user has the maximum control. They can change the limit anytime from their phone or immediately cancel the permission given to the AI. This pilot shows that India’s UPI structure has the capability to understand new technologies like AI payments and mould them into a secure framework. If this concept becomes practically successful in the future, India will be in a strong position to move ahead globally in this sector.

RBI’s ‘Payments Vision 2028’: Regulatory Preparation for AI Payments

Before implementing any new technology, it is essential to define its rules and regulations. In March 2026, the RBI released a document called ‘Payments Vision 2028’. This document provides a roadmap for how India can move forward with new technologies like MPP so that innovation happens and people’s money also remains secure. It mainly focuses on three things:

(1) Arrangement for Secure Testing (Regulatory Sandbox): This simply means that when any company develops new software for payments between machines, instead of launching it directly in the market, it must first be tested in a limited and controlled environment under RBI’s supervision. This arrangement helps catch any technical flaws before they can harm ordinary people’s money.

(2) Clarifying Accountability (Shared Liability): If in the future an AI makes a wrong payment by mistake, whose responsibility will it be to compensate for the loss? The AI-making company’s, the bank’s, or the consumer’s? This document is trying to find answers to these questions. Efforts are being made to make rules clear so that the consumer gets the maximum protection in case of any error.

(3) Monitoring of Large Platforms: In the future, when machines themselves transact on big apps like Amazon or Flipkart, consideration is being given to bringing these platforms also under RBI’s rules. This means not only small fintech companies but even large technology companies will have to follow government oversight in payment matters so that there is no weak link in the entire system.

These three points show that India is not rushing blindly into AI payments but is moving forward with a disciplined and well-thought-out policy vision.

Suggestions for the Government of India: Possible Directions to Secure the AI Payment Economy

India has a strong base due to the success of UPI. To give a systematic and secure shape to AI-powered payments, policymakers may find it beneficial to consider these strategic points:

(1) Sovereign Digital Identity Card for Machines (M-KYC): Just as Aadhaar has given a standard identity to citizens, every AI agent that is going to transact money should have a unique digital identity card. The information of this identity can be stored in secure digital code that hackers cannot easily break or change. It should clearly record who operates that machine and what its transaction limit is. Another important thing: this system should have a provision for ‘immediate deactivation’. If any suspicious activity is found in an AI system, the Reserve Bank or banking network should be able to instantly disable its transaction capability with one click. This will maintain trust in the entire system.

(2) Protection of Digital Sovereignty (UPI-MPP Bridge): Global standards for MPP are being developed. India will need to develop a strong technical bridge to connect its UPI framework with these global standards. However, while developing it, it must be ensured that Indian citizens’ payment data never goes to foreign servers under any circumstances. This bridge should work under India’s data protection law (DPDP Act). India should adapt global technology according to its security and privacy needs so that our ‘Digital Sovereignty’ remains fully intact.

(3) Legal Clarity and Review of Tax Framework: When machines start taking financial decisions themselves, new legal complexities will arise. For example, if a wrong financial transaction happens due to an AI’s mistake, will the responsibility lie with the AI developer or the service provider? New provisions can be considered in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and consumer protection rules to clearly define the role of AI agents. Additionally, when machines transact services with each other, how will GST or service tax apply? An initiative should be started to develop a clear taxation framework for this ‘machine-to-machine economy’ so that no revenue-related obstacles arise in the future.

(4) AI-based Instant Grievance Redressal and Auditing: If in the future an AI payment fails due to some technical glitch, customers should not have to run around banks. Using blockchain-based ‘smart contracts’, a system can be developed that automatically starts the refund process as soon as an error is detected. Along with this, standards for ‘AI Auditing’ can be prepared, just like banks are audited, so that an independent agency checks whether any AI agent is favouring a particular merchant or discriminating against customers.

(5) Machine-Level Cybersecurity: When machines themselves start transacting money, it can become a big target for cyber attackers. Therefore, the government should consider developing an ‘automated cyber defence system’, that is, a defence system that is itself AI-based and can identify and stop dangerous transactions in real time. In matters of security, we will need machines that are faster and smarter than the attackers.

(6) Linguistic Inclusion and Financial Awareness (Bhashini Integration): This technology should not remain limited only to English-speaking urban classes. Using the ‘Bhashini’ project, AI can be developed so that a village farmer can order fertiliser and seeds by speaking in his mother tongue. However, along with language, another important aspect should be added: ‘Financial Security Awareness’. This AI should not only place orders but also alert the consumer. For example, if someone tries to transact on a suspicious platform, the AI should warn them in their own language: “Caution, this platform does not look safe.”

(7) Coordinated Research and Public Technology Standards (PPP & Open-Source): To develop this technology, the government, RBI, NPCI, and the private fintech sector should work under a coordinated strategy. Special ‘Centres of Excellence’ can be established on this subject in the country’s leading IITs and IIMs. Most importantly, the basic infrastructure of this technology should be developed as a ‘Public Tech Standard’. That is, India should prepare its own code and present it to the world as a secure and affordable option. This way, India will not have to depend on any foreign company or technology in this sector.

Possible Impact of AI Payments on the Indian Economy

According to an estimate in a research report by the global management consulting company McKinsey, the market for financial transactions done by AI assistants worldwide could reach 3 to 5 trillion dollars (approximately 250 to 400 lakh crore rupees) by 2030. With its already strong digital infrastructure, India can take advantage of this global opportunity, and its positive impact can be seen in many sectors of the country’s economy. Some major examples are:

(1) Efficiency in the Agriculture Sector: Using smart contracts, the supply chain from crop production to the mandi can be made more efficient. In this system, payment can be automatically transferred directly to the farmer’s bank account as soon as the crop is sold, so farmers get immediate and direct benefit from their produce.

(2) Convenience for Small Businesses (MSMEs): Small businessmen spend a lot of time in processes of buying raw materials and paying suppliers. If AI handles all these small payments automatically, businessmen will save time that they can use to expand their businesses.

(3) Opportunities for New Types of Technical Jobs: People often fear that AI will eat up jobs, but with the development of this new machine economy, new technical professions may emerge. In the future, demand may increase for roles such as ‘AI Auditors’ who check the security of AI systems, ‘Digital Financial Analysts’, ‘Smart Contract Developers’, ‘Machine Identity Managers’, ‘AI Ethics Officers’ who keep AI transactions secure and fair, and ‘API Integrators’ who build relations between banks and technology companies.

India’s Potential Role in the Next Phase of Digital Payments

Technologies like MPP are the next link in the digital world. Looking at this change, India’s initial position is quite positive. With the already successful UPI framework, strict rules that protect people’s money, and excellent technical talent, India has a strong foundation to move forward in this sector. Moreover, Indian fintech companies are also working rapidly in this area. If the government provides the right policy support; such as arranging machine identification (M-KYC) or building a domestic technical bridge (UPI-MPP Bridge); then India can be in a good position to stay ahead globally in this sector.

If India succeeds in advancing this new technology together with the security and convenience of ordinary citizens, then in this new era of digital payments, India’s model can become an example for other countries. This is not just an opportunity to advance technology, but a wonderful chance to prove how safe financial systems and new technology can be successfully combined. Undoubtedly, this is a long and responsible journey, but India has a strong base ready for its beginning.

References and Sources

1. Stripe Inc. and Paradigm Labs, “Machine Payments Protocol (MPP): Initial Draft Specification and HTTP 402 Implementation” (March 2026). This document explains the global technical standards created for payments between machines.
2. McKinsey & Company, “The Economic Impact of Generative AI and the Future of Automated Digital Assistants” (October 2025). This report is based on economic estimates of the future of AI-based digital economy.
3. Reserve Bank of India (RBI), “Payments Vision 2028” (March 2026). This document highlights policy directions related to the future of digital payments in India, regulatory sandbox, and consumer protection.
4. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Technical Demonstration of ‘UPI Reserve Pay’ and ‘Delegated Payments Framework’ (India AI Impact Summit, New Delhi, February 2026). This demonstration showcases India’s technical capabilities for making payments on UPI through AI.
5. Government of India, “Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act), 2023”. This law is the foundational framework for ensuring the security and privacy of citizens’ data in automated systems.

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Recently, under the National Quantum Mission, India successfully demonstrated a 1,000-km quantum communication network in less than two years since the mission’s launch. This is among the longest quantum communication networks in the world. The achievement is particularly significant because the mission originally aimed to develop a 2,000-km quantum communication capability over a period of eight years, whereas India has achieved this remarkable progress at an exceptionally rapid pace.

In the twenty-first century, technological capability is increasingly determining geopolitical influence, economic resilience, military preparedness, and strategic autonomy. Just as the industrial revolution shaped the nineteenth century and the digital revolution transformed the twentieth, the coming decades are expected to be defined by mastery over frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing, quantum communication, biotechnology, and high-performance computing. Among these, quantum technology is emerging as one of the most strategically consequential sectors in the world.

Quantum technology operates on the principles of quantum mechanics, including superposition, entanglement, tunnelling, and quantum interference, enabling computational and communication capabilities far beyond those of classical systems. Broadly, quantum technologies are divided into four major domains: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum materials and devices. Their applications are expected to transform defence systems, cybersecurity, healthcare, logistics, climate science, finance, AI, and space technologies. Quantum systems can enable ultra-secure military communications, advanced cryptography, molecular simulations for drug discovery, high-resolution climate modelling, portfolio optimisation, and next-generation satellite communication systems.

The economic potential of quantum technology is equally enormous. According to McKinsey & Company, quantum technologies could generate economic value exceeding $1 trillion globally by 2035, while industry estimates project the global quantum computing market to surpass $125 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, Boston Consulting Group estimates that governments worldwide have already announced more than $40 billion in public investments in quantum technologies. Major technology companies including IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Intel are investing billions of dollars into quantum research, infrastructure, and hardware development. IBM has already unveiled quantum processors exceeding 1,000 qubits, while countries such as China and the United States are rapidly expanding quantum communication and computing ecosystems.

Against this backdrop, India has begun positioning itself not merely as a technology consumer, but as a major participant in the global deep-tech ecosystem. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India’s investments in quantum technologies, semiconductors, AI, supercomputing, and indigenous innovation reflect a broader strategic vision aimed at technological sovereignty and long-term national competitiveness.

India’s National Quantum Mission

Recognising the transformative potential of quantum technologies, India approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with an outlay of approximately ₹6,003 crore for the period 2023–2031. The mission aims to develop quantum computers with 50–1000 physical qubits, satellite-based quantum communication systems, inter-city Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks, quantum sensors and metrology systems, and advanced quantum materials and devices.

The National Quantum Mission represents one of India’s most ambitious scientific and technological programmes since the country’s space and nuclear initiatives. Its significance extends beyond scientific advancement because quantum technologies directly intersect with national security, cybersecurity, defence preparedness, and digital sovereignty. The mission seeks to reduce dependence on foreign technologies, strengthen indigenous intellectual property ecosystems, build sovereign cybersecurity infrastructure, and enhance India’s long-term technological resilience.

A major strategic concern globally is that future quantum computers may eventually become powerful enough to break classical encryption systems currently used in banking, military communications, digital governance, and financial infrastructure. Consequently, countries capable of developing quantum-safe communication systems early may gain substantial geopolitical and cybersecurity advantages.

India’s Quantum Communication Breakthrough

One of the most significant milestones achieved under India’s emerging quantum ecosystem has been the successful demonstration of 1,000 km secure quantum communication, completed in less than half the originally projected timeline. This breakthrough is strategically important because quantum communication enables encryption systems that are theoretically resistant to interception, hacking, and cyber espionage.

Quantum communication derives its security from the laws of physics rather than computational complexity. Using principles such as quantum entanglement and photon-based transmission, these systems can automatically detect interception attempts, making them fundamentally more secure than classical communication systems.

The implications are substantial for secure military communications, defence intelligence protection, financial systems, digital governance, and critical infrastructure security. As cyber warfare increasingly becomes central to geopolitical competition, quantum communication is likely to emerge as one of the defining strategic infrastructures of the future.

India’s Emerging Quantum Startup Ecosystem

India’s National Quantum Mission is also catalysing a new generation of deep-tech entrepreneurship. Multiple startups have received support under the mission, including investments of up to ₹30 crore per startup in areas such as quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communication, quantum hardware, and quantum software stacks.

This is strategically important because globally successful innovation ecosystems are built through collaboration between academia, startups, government laboratories, industry, and venture capital networks. India has also witnessed the emergence of indigenous quantum hardware initiatives, including one of the country’s first full-stack quantum computing systems featuring superconducting qubits.

These developments reflect an important transition from India’s traditional dependence on software services toward high-end hardware innovation and deep-tech capability building. Future industries such as quantum cybersecurity, quantum cloud computing, advanced semiconductor design, smart manufacturing, and precision healthcare are expected to increasingly rely on quantum-enabled systems.

Lessons from Global Quantum Powers

The global quantum race is intensifying rapidly, with major powers treating quantum technologies as strategic assets.

China’s Quantum Strategy: China has emerged as one of the world’s most aggressive players in quantum technologies. Its achievements include the launch of the Micius quantum satellite, the construction of large-scale quantum communication backbone networks, extensive military integration efforts, and massive state-led investments in quantum research infrastructure. China has already demonstrated satellite-based quantum communication over thousands of kilometres and reportedly invested billions of dollars in dedicated quantum laboratories.

China’s model highlights several important lessons for India, including the importance of long-term state-led investment, domestic hardware ecosystems, civil-military integration, talent retention, and institutional coordination. Although India’s democratic innovation ecosystem differs significantly from China’s centralised model, India can still learn from China’s scale, urgency, and strategic planning.

The United States and the National Quantum Initiative: The United States launched the National Quantum Initiative Act to coordinate federal quantum research and maintain technological leadership. The American ecosystem benefits from world-leading universities, strong defence research agencies, deep venture capital networks, Big Tech participation, and semiconductor leadership.

Companies such as IBM and Google have demonstrated major breakthroughs in superconducting and error-corrected quantum systems. The U.S. model demonstrates the strategic importance of public-private partnerships, research commercialisation, startup ecosystems, university-industry collaboration, and strong intellectual property frameworks.

Europe’s Quantum Flagship Programme: The European Union launched the Quantum Flagship Programme with multi-billion-euro investments aimed at long-term quantum research and industrial development. Europe’s strengths include collaborative research networks, advanced photonics research, regulatory preparedness, and strong emphasis on ethical governance and standardisation frameworks.

For India, the European model demonstrates the importance of international collaboration, open innovation ecosystems, and coordinated research partnerships involving universities, government laboratories, startups, and industry.

Semiconductors, Supercomputing, and Computational Sovereignty

Quantum technologies cannot scale without strong semiconductor and high-performance computing ecosystems. The global semiconductor shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the strategic vulnerability of countries dependent on concentrated chip supply chains. Semiconductors now underpin AI systems, defence electronics, telecommunications, space technologies, electric vehicles, industrial automation, and medical devices.

Recognising this strategic reality, India has intensified efforts to build indigenous semiconductor capabilities through the India Semiconductor Mission and related manufacturing incentives. Semiconductor capability is increasingly viewed not merely as an industrial sector, but as critical strategic infrastructure.

Parallelly, India’s National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), jointly implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Science and Technology, aims to establish a nationwide network of more than 70 high-performance supercomputers interconnected through the National Knowledge Network.

High-performance computing (HPC) capability is becoming indispensable for AI model training, climate modelling, genomics, weather forecasting, defence simulations, aerospace research, vaccine development, and advanced materials science. Under the mission, India has already deployed indigenous systems under the PARAM series, including PARAM Siddhi-AI, which ranked among the world’s leading AI-focused supercomputers.

The importance of computational sovereignty is growing rapidly because advanced AI systems and scientific simulations require enormous computing capacity. Countries capable of processing massive datasets, simulating complex systems, and accelerating scientific discovery gain major strategic advantages in defence, cybersecurity, industrial innovation, and scientific leadership.

The convergence of quantum technologies, AI, semiconductors, and supercomputing therefore reflects the emergence of a new strategic technology ecosystem in which national competitiveness depends increasingly on computational power.

India’s Structural Advantages

India possesses several structural strengths that could support long-term leadership in frontier technologies. One of its greatest advantages is its large STEM talent base. India produces one of the world’s largest numbers of engineers, scientists, and technology graduates annually. Institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science are increasingly participating in advanced research in quantum computing, communication, and materials science.

India also benefits from its globally recognised digital public infrastructure ecosystem, including Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and large-scale digital governance systems. These initiatives demonstrate India’s ability to execute technology-driven programmes at population scale.

Another important advantage lies in India’s tradition of frugal engineering and cost-efficient innovation, which may prove strategically valuable in developing scalable and affordable quantum systems. Simultaneously, India has emerged as one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, with increasing participation in deep-tech sectors including AI, semiconductors, space technology, and quantum innovation.

Supporting these structural strengths is a broader policy direction focused on Atmanirbhar Bharat, indigenous R&D, strategic manufacturing, semiconductor capability, deep-tech innovation, and digital sovereignty.

Challenges India Must Address

Despite rapid progress, India still faces several major challenges in becoming a global quantum leader.

One critical concern is talent retention. Quantum technologies require highly specialised expertise in physics, mathematics, cryogenics, materials science, electrical engineering, and computer science. India must prevent migration of top scientific talent by creating globally competitive research ecosystems, advanced laboratories, and long-term scientific opportunities.

Another challenge relates to research funding scale. Although the National Quantum Mission’s ₹6,003 crore allocation is significant, countries such as China and the United States are investing substantially larger sums in quantum research, semiconductor ecosystems, and advanced computing infrastructure. India may eventually require expanded public funding, sovereign deep-tech funds, defence-linked innovation grants, and specialised quantum venture capital ecosystems.

Semiconductor manufacturing capability also remains a critical gap. Quantum computing, AI systems, and high-performance computing infrastructure depend heavily on advanced fabrication capabilities, an area where India still relies significantly on foreign supply chains.

Additionally, India’s research commercialisation ecosystem remains relatively weaker compared to the United States and China. Stronger collaboration between academia, industry, startups, and government laboratories is essential to improve patent commercialisation, startup incubation, technology transfer, and industry-linked research.

Finally, India must prioritise large-scale quantum workforce development through specialised education programmes, interdisciplinary research centres, and advanced technical training across universities and scientific institutions.

Quantum technologies represent one of the most important strategic frontiers of the twenty-first century. They are poised to transform cybersecurity, defence systems, healthcare, communications, advanced computing, finance, and global digital infrastructure. The countries that dominate quantum technologies, semiconductors, AI, and supercomputing are likely to shape the future global balance of power.

India’s National Quantum Mission, semiconductor initiatives, supercomputing infrastructure, and deep-tech innovation policies indicate that the country is attempting to position itself not merely as a technology market, but as a major technological power with long-term strategic capabilities. The successful demonstration of 1,000 km secure quantum communication, investments in indigenous quantum hardware, support for quantum startups, and expansion of computational infrastructure reflect meaningful national progress.

However, sustaining leadership in the global quantum race will require substantially higher research investment, stronger semiconductor ecosystems, deeper industry-academia collaboration, talent retention, global research partnerships, and long-term institutional commitment.

The global quantum race has only just begun. Yet India’s current trajectory under Narendra Modi suggests that the country is making a serious bid to emerge as one of the leading powers in the coming quantum era, an era in which technological capability may increasingly define economic competitiveness, digital sovereignty, national security, and geopolitical influence.

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A series of landmark initiatives have played a pivotal role in this transformation. The launch of the National IPR Policy provided a comprehensive vision for strengthening IP awareness, protection, and commercialization. This was complemented by Startup India, which catalyzed entrepreneurial activity and significantly expanded the base of domestic innovators. Further, the large-scale digitization of IP administration (2016 onwards), including online filing systems, expedited examination mechanisms, and transparency in processes—has dramatically improved procedural efficiency and accessibility. Together, these reforms have transformed India’s IP regime from a slow, compliance-driven system into a more efficient, transparent, and innovation-oriented ecosystem.

Recent data from 2024–25 reflects the tangible impact of these reforms. Annual patent filings have crossed 80,000 applications, placing India among the faster-growing global IP jurisdictions. More importantly, the share of resident filings has risen to nearly 55–60%, compared to around 25% a decade ago, indicating a decisive shift toward domestically driven innovation. This growth is closely linked to the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem, particularly in sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and fintech, which have emerged as key drivers of IP generation.

On the institutional front, India has achieved significant improvements in examination capacity and efficiency. Annual patent grants have exceeded 100,000, marking a sharp increase from historical levels and reflecting reduced pendency and faster processing timelines. These trends highlight two important structural shifts: the broadening of India’s innovation base through increased domestic participation, and the strengthening of institutional capabilities within the IP system.

Despite this strong progress, structural challenges continue to constrain India’s global competitiveness. Compared to leading economies such as China, India’s overall scale of patent filings remains relatively modest, pointing to a gap in aggregate innovation output. More critically, the commercialization of intellectual property remains underdeveloped, with limited conversion of patents into market-ready products and scalable enterprises. The continued dominance of foreign entities in patent ownership also indicates gaps in domestic technological ownership and value capture.

Additionally, low investment in research and development (around 0.7% of GDP) restricts the generation of high-quality, frontier innovations. This is further compounded by limited awareness and strategic utilization of IP, particularly among MSMEs, startups, and academic institutions, which hampers effective participation in the IP ecosystem.

In conclusion, India’s IP ecosystem reflects a phase of accelerated growth built on strong policy foundations laid since 2014, yet it remains in transition toward achieving global leadership. The next stage of progress must focus on scale, commercialization, and value creation, enabling India to evolve from a rapidly growing IP jurisdiction into a high-value, globally competitive innovation powerhouse.

Understanding the IP Ecosystem

An effective intellectual property (IP) ecosystem is a multi-dimensional framework that integrates legal, institutional, economic, and cultural components to support innovation and value creation. At its foundation lies a robust legal and regulatory system that governs patents, trademarks, and copyrights, ensuring protection and clarity of rights. This is supported by institutional infrastructure, including IP offices, specialized courts, and enforcement agencies that enable efficient registration, dispute resolution, and protection of intellectual assets. Equally important are the innovation drivers, universities, research and development (R&D) institutions, and startups, which generate new knowledge and technologies.

However, the true strength of an IP ecosystem depends on its ability to translate innovation into economic outcomes through effective commercialization mechanisms such as technology transfer offices and industry linkages. Complementing these elements is the broader ecosystem of awareness and culture, where education, incentives, and policy support play a crucial role in fostering an innovation-oriented mindset. Therefore, the effectiveness of an IP ecosystem cannot be measured solely by the volume of filings, but by its capacity to convert intellectual output into tangible economic and societal value.

Why India Needs a High-Value IP Ecosystem:

India’s intellectual property landscape is steadily evolving, yet it remains largely volume-driven rather than value-driven, limiting its ability to generate global economic leadership. To emerge as a globally competitive innovation economy, India must build a high-value IP ecosystem that shifts the national growth model from cost advantage to innovation advantage. This transformation would enable valuation-driven finance, where intellectual property can be leveraged for IP-backed lending, securitization, and investment, thereby unlocking new avenues of capital formation.

At the same time, a strong IP framework is essential for creating globally competitive brands and export-oriented industries, particularly in high-potential sectors such as deep-tech, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors. Strengthening domestic IP capabilities will also help reduce dependence on foreign technologies, enhancing technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy. In essence, for India to achieve sustained and high-quality economic growth, intellectual property must be treated not merely as a legal right, but as a critical economic asset class that drives value creation, competitiveness, and global influence.

High-Value IP Ecosystem of United States

The United States represents the most mature intellectual property (IP)-driven economy, where IP is deeply embedded in economic structures and contributes significantly to GDP, innovation leadership, and global corporate dominance. Unlike volume-based systems, the U.S. model emphasizes commercialization, monetization, and integration of IP with capital and markets, making it a benchmark for high-value IP ecosystems.

A leading example is Apple Inc., whose core intellectual property lies in its design patents, proprietary software ecosystem, and advanced chip architecture (such as the M-series processors). Apple’s strategy is built on the tight integration of hardware and software IP, creating a closed, high-value ecosystem that enhances user dependency and brand loyalty. With a market capitalization exceeding $3 trillion, more than 80% of Apple’s value is derived from intangible assets, including IP, brand equity, and ecosystem control. This demonstrates that Apple does not merely sell physical products; rather, it monetizes a proprietary IP ecosystem that generates sustained economic value.

Similarly, Microsoft showcases the power of IP in enabling scalable and recurring revenue models. Its core IP assets include cloud infrastructure (Azure), enterprise software, and a growing portfolio of artificial intelligence patents. Microsoft’s business model revolves around licensing, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and platform dominance, allowing it to generate high-margin, recurring revenues across global markets. This highlights how strong IP foundations enable non-linear growth, where revenues expand without proportional increases in costs.

In the pharmaceutical sector, Pfizer exemplifies how IP can create extraordinary economic returns through innovation-led exclusivity. Its drug patents, particularly in mRNA-based technologies, provided temporary market monopolies that translated into massive revenues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pfizer generated over $50 billion from its vaccine, underscoring how pharmaceutical IP can yield high-value, time-bound economic gains while also addressing global health challenges.

At the system level, the U.S. IP ecosystem is supported by a highly integrated innovation framework, where IP-intensive industries contribute approximately 38–40% of GDP. This success is driven by strong linkages between top universities such as Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, venture capital networks, startups, and efficient mechanisms for patent commercialization. The seamless interaction between knowledge creation, funding, and market deployment ensures that IP is rapidly transformed into economic value.

The key lesson from the U.S. model is clear, when intellectual property is effectively integrated with capital and market systems, it becomes a powerful engine of innovation dominance, global competitiveness, and sustained economic growth.

High-Value IP Ecosystem of China

China has rapidly transformed into a global intellectual property (IP) powerhouse through a combination of state-driven strategy, large-scale investment, and targeted industrial policy. Unlike traditional innovation models, China’s approach emphasizes not only IP creation but also strategic control over technologies, standards, and global markets, enabling it to convert IP into a tool of economic and geopolitical influence.
A prominent example is Huawei, which has built a formidable portfolio of 5G patents and telecom infrastructure technologies. The company is among the world’s largest holders of standard-essential patents (SEPs) in 5G, giving it a decisive role in shaping global telecom standards. This positioning allows Huawei to earn billions of dollars through licensing and royalty streams, illustrating how control over technological standards translates directly into global economic leverage.

In the manufacturing domain, BYD demonstrates how IP can drive industrial competitiveness and export strength. With core innovations in electric vehicle batteries and powertrain technologies, BYD has adopted a strategy of intensive R&D combined with vertical integration, enabling cost efficiency and technological independence. As a result, the company competes effectively with global leaders such as Tesla, highlighting how IP-led manufacturing ecosystems can enhance global market positioning.

In the digital economy, Tencent exemplifies the power of platform-based IP ecosystems. Its flagship platform, WeChat, along with its gaming and artificial intelligence capabilities, forms a multi-layered digital ecosystem that drives user engagement and monetization. Through platform-based revenue models, Tencent benefits from strong network effects, creating monopoly-like advantages and sustained market dominance.

At the system level, China’s IP ecosystem is characterized by scale, policy support, and strategic focus. It is the world’s largest patent filer, according to global data from organizations like the World Intellectual Property Organization. The Chinese government has played a central role by providing subsidies for patent generation, incentivizing innovation in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and telecommunications, and promoting domestic commercialization of IP. Additionally, China places strong emphasis on standard-setting, global expansion, and integration of IP with industrial policy, ensuring that innovations translate into both economic and strategic gains.
The key lesson from China’s experience is clear that when scale is combined with strong state support and a focus on strategic sectors, intellectual property can drive rapid economic transformation and global technological dominance.

What Makes These Ecosystems “High-Value”?

A high-value intellectual property (IP) ecosystem is not defined by the sheer number of patents filed, but by the ability to translate IP into sustained economic and strategic value. The most successful ecosystems, such as those in the United States and China, demonstrate that value emerges when IP is deeply embedded into markets, finance, and innovation systems.
The first defining feature is commercialization, where patents are not treated as dormant legal rights but are actively transformed into marketable products, scalable platforms, and revenue-generating business models. Companies leverage their intellectual property to create competitive advantages, ensuring that innovation directly contributes to economic output and global market share.
The second critical element is financialization of IP, which allows intellectual property to function as a tradable and investable asset class. In advanced ecosystems, IP is widely used for licensing and franchising, generating continuous income streams, while also serving as collateral for loans and a key component in firm valuation. This integration of IP with financial systems enables firms to unlock capital and scale innovation more efficiently.

Another essential dimension is standard leadership, where countries and firms move beyond innovation to define global technology standards in areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor technologies. Ownership of such standards provides long-term control over markets, as other firms must comply and often pay royalties, thereby creating sustained economic and strategic leverage.
Finally, high-value ecosystems are characterized by strong ecosystem integration, where there is seamless coordination between academia, industry, government, and financial institutions. Universities drive research and patent generation, industries commercialize innovations, governments provide policy support, and financial institutions enable funding and scaling. This interconnected structure ensures that intellectual property flows efficiently from idea generation to market realization, maximizing both economic impact and global competitiveness.

Together, these elements illustrate that a high-value IP ecosystem is fundamentally about value creation, monetization, and systemic integration, rather than just patent accumulation.

Policy Recommendations for India

For India to emerge as a high-value, globally competitive intellectual property (IP) leader, incremental reforms will not be sufficient. What is required is a system-level transformation that integrates innovation, finance, industry, and governance into a commercialization-driven IP ecosystem. The focus must shift decisively from patent quantity to patent quality, prioritizing high-value, globally relevant, and standard-essential patents (SEPs) in strategic sectors. While scaling filings toward 200,000+ annually is important, it must be accompanied by a deliberate push toward frontier technologies and globally competitive IP assets that can generate long-term economic returns.

A critical pillar of this transformation is the creation of a robust commercialization architecture. India must institutionalize professionally managed Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) with performance-linked incentives to ensure that research outcomes are translated into market-ready innovations. Simultaneously, IP valuation frameworks must be embedded within the financial system, enabling intellectual property to be used for IP-backed lending, securitization, and investment decision-making. The development of IP exchanges and structured licensing platforms can further create a transparent and liquid marketplace for intellectual assets. Importantly, India must move from traditional collaboration models to industry–academia co-creation ecosystems, ensuring that research is demand-driven, application-oriented, and commercially viable.

Equally important is the restructuring of R&D financing. India’s current expenditure of around 0.7% of GDP must be scaled to at least 2% of GDP, supported by a diversified funding architecture that combines public investment, private sector participation, venture capital, and sovereign innovation funds. This investment should be strategically aligned with mission-oriented programs in deep-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, green energy, and biotechnology—domains that will define future economic competitiveness and geopolitical influence.

On the institutional front, India must transition toward a predictable, enforcement-oriented IP regime. This includes establishing fast-track adjudication mechanisms, expanding specialized IP courts, and leveraging advanced technologies such as AI for patent examination and prior-art searches to reduce pendency and improve quality. Ensuring regulatory coherence across ministries and agencies will be essential to eliminate fragmentation and create a unified, innovation-friendly policy environment.

A transformative and often underemphasized dimension is the need to build a national culture of intellectual property awareness and capability. IP education must be mainstreamed across all levels of the education system, from schools to higher education, integrating IP literacy, innovation management, and commercialization skills into curricula. Researchers, entrepreneurs, and students should be trained not only to create knowledge but also to protect, manage, and monetize it strategically. Special emphasis should be placed on MSMEs and startups, enabling them to actively participate in the IP ecosystem through targeted incentives, capacity-building programs, and simplified regulatory processes.

Ultimately, India’s pathway to IP leadership lies in transitioning from a filing-driven framework to a value-centric, globally competitive, and commercialization-oriented ecosystem. By integrating technology, capital, policy, and education, India can transform intellectual property into a core economic asset class, positioning itself not merely as a participant but as a global agenda-setter in the knowledge economy.
To bridge this gap, India must now transition from a filing-centric model to a high-value, globally competitive, and commercialization-driven IP ecosystem. This requires sustained policy continuity, a significant increase in R&D investment, and stronger industry–academia co-creation frameworks. Equally important is a focused push toward deep-tech and frontier sectors, where ownership of intellectual property will determine future economic and geopolitical positioning. At the same time, mainstreaming IP education across all levels—from schools to higher education—will be essential to build a nationwide culture that views IP not just as legal protection but as a strategic economic asset.
If pursued with strategic clarity and execution discipline, India has the potential to move beyond being an emerging innovation hub to becoming a global leader in high-value intellectual property and knowledge-driven growth. In this context, the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 is not merely aspirational, but increasingly attainable—anchored in a resilient, innovation-led, and globally competitive IP ecosystem that drives long-term economic transformation.

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The Scale of the Challenge:

India faces a significant fire safety challenge that is both structural and recurring. According to available national data, 7,054 fire accidents and 6,891 deaths were recorded in 2023, highlighting the alarming scale of fire-related risks across the country. Residential buildings continue to remain the most vulnerable spaces, accounting for over 54 percent of all fire-related deaths, which indicates that fire safety concerns are not limited to industrial or commercial zones but deeply embedded within everyday urban living environments. One of the most persistent causes of fire incidents in India is electrical malfunction, including short circuits, overloading, and faulty wiring, making electrical faults a leading contributor to urban fire outbreaks.

Historically, India has witnessed thousands of fire-related fatalities every year, with incidents claiming dozens of lives on an almost daily basis. This pattern demonstrates that fire accidents in the country are not isolated emergencies but a sustained public safety concern requiring long-term policy intervention.

Recent urban data further intensifies this concern. Delhi alone recorded more than 2,700 fire incidents in the early months of 2026, with nearly 85 percent reportedly linked to electrical issues. Such figures point toward a systemic problem in urban electrical infrastructure, maintenance standards, and enforcement mechanisms. Compliance failures also remain deeply concerning. In one reported dataset, only 12 out of 5,506 residential fire cases involved buildings with valid fire safety certification or No Objection Certificates (NOCs), indicating widespread non-compliance and weak regulatory adherence across residential ecosystems.

Fire incidents in India are not rare or accidental disruptions occurring in isolation. Rather, they represent frequent and systemic failures rooted in infrastructure deficiencies, weak enforcement of fire safety regulations, inadequate building compliance mechanisms, and behavioural negligence at both institutional and citizen levels. For a nation aspiring to become a developed economy under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, addressing fire safety can no longer remain a peripheral governance issue but must be treated as a core pillar of resilient national development.

Why Fire Safety is Critical for Viksit Bharat

1. Economic Resilience: Fire incidents impose significant and often underestimated economic costs on India’s growth trajectory. Losses are particularly severe in MSMEs and manufacturing units, which contribute nearly 30 percent to India’s GDP and employ over 110 million people. These enterprises often operate in dense industrial clusters with limited compliance to fire safety norms, making them highly vulnerable. Warehousing and logistics infrastructure, especially with the rapid expansion of e-commerce and supply chain networks, also faces elevated risks due to the storage of combustible materials and inadequate fire suppression systems. Commercial hubs, including markets, office complexes, and retail centres, further amplify economic exposure.

A single industrial fire can trigger cascading disruptions, halting production cycles, damaging capital assets, and breaking supply chains that affect downstream industries. In export-oriented sectors such as textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, fire incidents can delay shipments, breach international contracts, and erode India’s credibility in global markets. Insurance data globally suggests that fire accounts for one of the highest shares of industrial losses, and in developing economies like India, underinsurance compounds the economic shock. Therefore, strengthening fire safety is not merely a regulatory necessity but a strategic economic safeguard essential for sustaining high growth under the Viksit Bharat vision.

2. Urban Transformation and Smart Cities: India’s urban population is projected to exceed 600 million by 2030, driving vertical expansion and high-density urban development. This transformation necessitates robust fire safety systems tailored for high-rise buildings, mixed-use developments, and complex urban infrastructure. Modern cities require advanced fire detection, suppression, and evacuation systems integrated into building design from the outset.

Fire-resilient smart infrastructure must go beyond conventional firefighting. It includes sensor-based detection systems, automated alarms, smoke management technologies, and real-time communication networks connected to Integrated Command and Control Centres under the Smart Cities Mission. The integration of digital monitoring systems, including IoT-enabled devices and GIS-based risk mapping, allows authorities to identify high-risk zones and respond swiftly to emergencies.

Without embedding fire safety into urban planning and governance, the Smart Cities Mission risks becoming structurally fragile. High-density urban clusters, if not equipped with adequate fire safety infrastructure, can turn localized incidents into large-scale disasters. Thus, fire safety must be positioned as a foundational pillar of urban resilience rather than a post-construction compliance requirement.

3. Human Capital Protection: Fire safety is fundamentally a human development issue. Fire accidents disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including women, informal workers, and residents of densely populated urban settlements. In several datasets, women account for a significant share of fatalities, often due to domestic fires, unsafe cooking practices, and limited access to emergency response systems. Informal workers employed in small factories, workshops, and unregulated commercial establishments face heightened exposure due to poor safety standards and lack of training.

Urban poor communities living in congested settlements are particularly at risk due to narrow access lanes, high population density, and the use of flammable construction materials. In such environments, even a small fire can escalate rapidly, leading to large-scale loss of life and property. The absence of awareness, training, and early warning systems further aggravates the situation.

Protecting human capital is central to India’s demographic dividend. Frequent fire incidents not only result in loss of life but also cause long-term socio-economic setbacks for affected families, including loss of livelihoods, increased healthcare costs, and intergenerational poverty risks. Therefore, investing in fire safety is directly linked to safeguarding India’s workforce and ensuring inclusive development.

4. Ease of Doing Business: Fire safety compliance plays a critical role in improving India’s business environment. Industrial certifications, building approvals, and operational licenses are increasingly linked to adherence to fire safety norms. For businesses, particularly in manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and commercial real estate, compliance is not optional but integral to operational continuity.

Insurance frameworks also heavily depend on fire safety standards. Firms with inadequate safety systems face higher premiums or may be denied coverage altogether, increasing financial vulnerability. Conversely, strong compliance can reduce insurance costs and enhance risk management.

From a global perspective, foreign investors and multinational corporations evaluate safety standards as part of their investment decisions. Weak fire safety enforcement can deter investment by raising concerns about operational risks and regulatory uncertainty. As India positions itself as a global manufacturing and investment hub, aligning fire safety standards with international best practices becomes essential for enhancing investor confidence and strengthening the Ease of Doing Business ecosystem.

5. Climate Change Link: Fire safety is increasingly intertwined with climate change dynamics. Rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves, and urban heat island effects significantly increase the likelihood of fire incidents, particularly in densely built urban areas. Higher ambient temperatures lead to increased electricity consumption, placing stress on electrical infrastructure and raising the risk of short circuits and equipment failures.

Climate change also contributes to the drying of materials, making both natural and built environments more combustible. In peri-urban and industrial zones, this can lead to faster fire spread and greater damage. Additionally, extreme weather events can disrupt firefighting operations and strain emergency response systems.

Recognising fire safety as a component of climate adaptation is crucial. Integrating fire risk assessments into climate resilience planning, promoting heat-resistant building materials, and upgrading electrical infrastructure are essential steps. As India advances toward Viksit Bharat, aligning fire safety strategies with climate resilience frameworks will ensure that development remains sustainable and future-ready.

Global Best Practices in Fire Safety Governance: Lessons for India

1. United States: Data-Driven Fire Management

The United States represents one of the most advanced fire safety ecosystems globally, driven by strong institutional frameworks and data-centric governance. Organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association have developed globally recognised codes like NFPA 1 (Fire Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), which are widely adopted across states and even internationally. Fire safety compliance is not static; it is reinforced through mandatory inspections, periodic audits, and strict penalties for violations.

A key strength of the U.S. model lies in its use of data. Agencies such as the U.S. Fire Administration maintain extensive fire incident databases, enabling predictive analytics to identify high-risk geographies, building types, and behavioural patterns. Increasingly, cities are deploying AI-driven risk modelling and GIS-based mapping to optimise fire station placement, reduce response times, and anticipate fire outbreaks before they occur.

Empirical evidence suggests that such systems have significantly reduced fire-related fatalities over decades, even as urbanisation has increased. The U.S. has achieved a long-term decline in fire deaths per capita through a combination of regulation, technology, and awareness.

India must move toward institutionalised, data-backed enforcement systems, including a national fire data repository, AI-enabled risk prediction, and standardised compliance audits across states.

2. Japan: Community-Centric Fire Preparedness

Japan’s fire safety model is deeply embedded in its societal structure, combining technological sophistication with exceptional community participation. Given its vulnerability to earthquakes, Japan has developed integrated systems that simultaneously address fire risks arising from seismic events. Urban infrastructure incorporates fire-resistant materials, automatic shut-off systems for gas and electricity, and advanced suppression technologies.

However, the most distinctive feature of Japan’s approach is its emphasis on behavioural preparedness. Nationwide fire drills are conducted regularly, often involving schools, workplaces, and local communities. Citizens are trained in evacuation protocols, basic firefighting techniques, and emergency response coordination. Public awareness campaigns ensure that fire safety becomes a part of everyday life rather than an occasional concern.

Japan’s fire fatality rates remain among the lowest globally despite high population density, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining infrastructure with behavioural discipline.

Fire safety must evolve beyond regulation into a mass behavioural movement. Citizen participation, school-level education, and regular community drills can significantly enhance preparedness and reduce casualties.

3. United Kingdom: Regulatory Accountability Model

The United Kingdom has transitioned toward a highly accountable and legally enforceable fire safety regime, particularly after major incidents such as the Grenfell Tower fire, which exposed critical gaps in building safety compliance. In response, the UK strengthened its regulatory framework through legislation such as the Fire Safety Act and the Building Safety Act.

A defining feature of the UK model is the clear assignment of responsibility. Building owners, landlords, and facility managers are legally obligated to conduct regular fire risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including criminal liability. Independent fire safety audits and third-party certifications further enhance transparency and accountability.

The UK also emphasises detailed documentation, evacuation planning, and occupant awareness, ensuring that fire safety is integrated into building lifecycle management rather than treated as a one-time approval.

India must shift from advisory frameworks to enforceable liability regimes, where accountability is clearly defined and violations attract strict legal consequences.

4. Singapore: Zero-Tolerance Compliance Model

Singapore is widely regarded as a global benchmark for strict enforcement and technological integration in fire safety governance. The Singapore Civil Defence Force plays a central role in ensuring compliance through a highly digitised and transparent system. Fire safety approvals, inspections, and certifications are managed through online platforms, reducing delays and eliminating discretion.

All commercial and high-risk buildings are subject to mandatory fire certification, and inspections are conducted regularly, often using digital tools for real-time reporting. Non-compliance is met with immediate penalties, including fines, closure orders, or legal action. Fire safety considerations are also integrated into urban planning, ensuring that infrastructure design aligns with emergency response requirements.

Singapore’s approach has resulted in one of the lowest fire incident rates globally, demonstrating the effectiveness of a zero-tolerance compliance culture supported by technology.

Leveraging digital governance tools, real-time monitoring, and strict enforcement can significantly improve compliance levels and reduce fire risks in rapidly urbanising environments.

5. Scandinavian Countries: Prevention-Oriented Framework

Countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have adopted a prevention-first approach to fire safety, focusing on early detection and risk mitigation rather than post-incident response. One of the most notable features of this model is the near-universal adoption of smoke alarms in residential buildings, often mandated by law. Studies indicate that functioning smoke alarms can reduce fire-related fatalities by up to 50 percent.

These countries also integrate fire safety into broader welfare and insurance systems. Compliance with fire safety norms is often linked to insurance premiums, creating financial incentives for households and businesses to adopt preventive measures. Public awareness campaigns, combined with strong social trust and governance, ensure high levels of voluntary compliance.

Additionally, building materials, electrical systems, and heating mechanisms are regulated to minimise fire risks from the outset. Fire departments focus extensively on community outreach, inspections, and education, reducing the overall incidence of fires.

A shift toward prevention, supported by early detection systems, universal safety devices, and incentive-based compliance, can deliver far greater long-term benefits than a response-heavy approach.

Global best practices clearly demonstrate that effective fire safety governance rests on five pillars, strong institutions, enforceable regulations, technological integration, community participation, and a prevention-first approach. For India, adapting these lessons within its federal structure and diverse socio-economic landscape will be critical to building a fire-resilient ecosystem aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

India’s Policy and Institutional Framework

1. National Building Code (NBC) 2016

The National Building Code of India 2016 serves as the cornerstone of India’s fire and life safety architecture. Developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards, the NBC provides comprehensive guidelines covering building design, construction materials, structural safety, fire exits, alarm systems, ventilation, and evacuation protocols. It classifies buildings based on occupancy types such as residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional, prescribing tailored fire safety measures for each category.

A key strength of the NBC lies in its technical depth, aligning in many respects with global standards such as those of the NFPA. It mandates provisions like fire-resistant construction materials, compartmentalisation to prevent fire spread, installation of sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings, and minimum requirements for escape routes and staircases. However, the critical limitation is that the NBC remains largely recommendatory at the national level. Its adoption depends on state governments and local urban bodies, leading to fragmented implementation.

Studies and urban audits have repeatedly shown that compliance levels remain low, particularly in smaller cities and informal construction sectors. The absence of uniform enforcement mechanisms and limited capacity at the municipal level weaken the effectiveness of an otherwise robust code. This gap between design and implementation continues to be one of the most pressing challenges in India’s fire safety ecosystem.

2. Constitutional Position

Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, fire services fall within the State List, placing primary responsibility for fire prevention, regulation, and response on state governments. While this federal structure allows states to tailor policies based on local conditions, it also results in significant disparities in capacity, funding, and enforcement.

States vary widely in terms of fire service infrastructure, manpower availability, training standards, and technological adoption. Metropolitan regions such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have relatively advanced fire services, whereas smaller towns and rural areas often lack basic firefighting equipment and trained personnel. According to various assessments, India faces a substantial shortage of fire stations, firefighting vehicles, and trained staff relative to its population and urban density.

This decentralised governance model also leads to inconsistencies in building approvals, fire NOC issuance, and inspection regimes. In many cases, fire safety compliance is treated as a procedural formality rather than a continuous obligation, resulting in lapses over time. The lack of a unified national regulatory authority further limits coordination, standardisation, and data sharing across states.

3. Fire Services Modernisation Scheme

Recognising these systemic gaps, the Government of India has launched the Fire Services Modernisation Scheme with an outlay of approximately ₹5,000 crore. This initiative represents one of the most significant national-level investments in strengthening fire safety infrastructure.

The scheme focuses on three core areas. First, it supports equipment upgrades, including the procurement of modern firefighting vehicles, hydraulic platforms for high-rise operations, advanced breathing apparatus, and fire detection technologies. Second, it emphasises capacity building through training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of fire personnel in handling complex urban and industrial fire scenarios. Third, it prioritises infrastructure strengthening by supporting the establishment and upgrading of fire stations, especially in underserved regions.

The scheme also aligns with broader disaster management objectives, aiming to improve response times, enhance coordination between agencies, and integrate fire services into multi-hazard emergency frameworks. However, the effectiveness of this initiative will depend on timely fund utilisation, state-level implementation efficiency, and continuous monitoring.

Modi Government Initiatives: Toward a Safer India

1. Modernisation of Fire Services

Under the broader governance framework of the Government led by Narendra Modi, fire safety has increasingly been linked with disaster resilience and infrastructure development. Investments in modern firefighting equipment, including high-capacity pumps, aerial ladder platforms, and specialised vehicles for chemical and industrial fires, have strengthened operational capabilities.

There is also a growing emphasis on integrating fire services with disaster response mechanisms under institutions such as the National Disaster Management Authority. This integration ensures that fire incidents, particularly large-scale industrial or urban fires, are managed within a coordinated national framework.

2. Smart Cities Mission Integration

The Smart Cities Mission has introduced a transformative approach to urban fire safety by embedding it within digital governance systems. Cities selected under the mission are equipped with Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs), which act as central hubs for monitoring and managing urban services, including emergency response.

Fire safety within these cities is being enhanced through the deployment of smart sensors, automated alarm systems, and real-time surveillance networks. These technologies enable faster detection of fire incidents and more efficient deployment of firefighting resources. In several cities, response times have improved due to better coordination and data-driven decision-making.

3. Digital India and GIS Mapping

The Digital India programme has opened new avenues for leveraging technology in fire risk management. GIS-based mapping tools are increasingly being used to identify high-risk zones, map fire station coverage, and optimise emergency response routes.

In addition, IoT-enabled fire detection systems are being piloted in commercial complexes, industrial units, and public infrastructure. These systems can automatically alert authorities in real time, reducing response delays and minimising damage. The integration of digital platforms also facilitates better record-keeping, compliance tracking, and transparency in fire safety administration.

4. Disaster Management Reforms

India’s disaster management framework has undergone significant strengthening over the past decade, with fire safety emerging as an important component. The National Disaster Management Authority has developed guidelines and standard operating procedures for fire incidents, particularly in high-risk sectors such as chemical industries, hospitals, and urban settlements.

Regular mock drills, capacity-building initiatives, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms have improved preparedness levels. Fire services are increasingly being integrated with other emergency services, including medical response and law enforcement, creating a more holistic disaster response ecosystem.

5. Urban Governance Reforms

Urban governance reforms have placed greater emphasis on accountability and compliance in fire safety. Municipal bodies are being encouraged to strengthen fire NOC mechanisms, conduct regular building safety audits, and enforce penalties for non-compliance.

There is also a growing push toward digitising approval processes, reducing delays while improving transparency. In some cities, online systems for fire NOC applications and renewals have been introduced, minimising manual intervention and potential inefficiencies. However, challenges remain in ensuring consistent enforcement, particularly in informal and rapidly expanding urban areas.

India’s policy and institutional framework for fire safety is evolving, supported by strong codes, increasing investments, and technology-driven governance initiatives. However, the core challenge lies in bridging the gap between policy intent and ground-level implementation. Strengthening enforcement, enhancing institutional coordination, and fostering a culture of compliance will be essential for transforming fire safety into a foundational pillar of Viksit Bharat.

Key Gaps in India’s Fire Safety Ecosystem

Despite notable policy intent and increasing investments, India’s fire safety ecosystem continues to face deep structural gaps that limit its effectiveness and scalability. One of the most critical challenges is the weak enforcement of fire safety norms. While the National Building Code of India 2016 provides detailed technical provisions, implementation at the ground level remains inconsistent. In many urban areas, fire safety compliance is often treated as a one-time approval requirement rather than a continuous obligation, leading to significant lapses over time. Inspections are either irregular or lack the rigour required to ensure adherence, and penalties for violations are often insufficient to act as deterrents.

Another major gap is the absence of periodic and standardised fire safety audits. In several high-risk establishments such as commercial complexes, hospitals, and industrial units, safety systems deteriorate due to poor maintenance, outdated equipment, or unauthorised structural modifications. Without mandatory annual or biannual audits, these risks remain undetected until a fire incident occurs. Studies in urban governance have repeatedly highlighted that a large proportion of fire incidents occur in buildings that had either outdated certifications or no valid fire clearance at all.

Low public awareness further compounds the problem. Fire safety in India is still largely perceived as a technical or administrative issue rather than a shared civic responsibility. Basic knowledge about fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and the use of firefighting equipment such as extinguishers is limited among citizens. Unlike countries such as Japan, where fire drills and preparedness are embedded in community culture, India lacks a widespread behavioural framework for fire safety.

The prevalence of informal and unregulated construction significantly increases vulnerability. A large portion of India’s urban population resides in settlements or buildings that do not adhere to formal construction norms. These structures often lack proper ventilation, fire exits, and safe electrical systems, making them highly susceptible to rapid fire spread. Narrow access lanes in such areas also hinder firefighting operations, delaying response times and increasing casualties.

Institutional fragmentation remains another critical issue. Fire safety governance in India is distributed across multiple agencies, including municipal bodies, state fire departments, urban development authorities, and disaster management institutions such as the National Disaster Management Authority. The absence of a unified command structure or centralised data system leads to coordination gaps, duplication of efforts, and inefficiencies in emergency response and policy implementation.

Policy Recommendations for India

1. Make Fire Safety Codes Legally Enforceable

A fundamental reform required in India’s fire safety framework is the transition of the National Building Code of India 2016 from a recommendatory guideline to a legally enforceable national standard. This would ensure uniformity in adoption across states and eliminate ambiguities in compliance requirements. Legal enforceability should be complemented by clearly defined penalties for violations, including financial fines, operational restrictions, and, in severe cases, criminal liability. International experience shows that countries with binding fire codes have significantly lower fatality rates due to higher compliance levels.

2. National Fire Safety Authority

India would benefit from the establishment of a dedicated National Fire Safety Authority as a central regulatory body. Such an institution would play a pivotal role in standardising fire safety norms across states, monitoring compliance through a unified digital platform, and coordinating with state governments and urban local bodies. It could also maintain a national fire incident database, enabling evidence-based policymaking and risk assessment.

A central authority would help address the current fragmentation by creating a cohesive governance structure, ensuring that fire safety becomes a national priority rather than a dispersed administrative function.

3. Mandatory Annual Fire Audits

Introducing mandatory annual fire safety audits for high-risk establishments is essential for ensuring continuous compliance. High-rise buildings, hospitals, schools, and industrial units should be required to undergo third-party safety inspections at regular intervals. These audits should assess not only the presence of safety infrastructure but also its functionality, maintenance, and readiness.

Digital documentation of audit reports, linked to licensing and operational approvals, can enhance transparency and accountability. Evidence from global best practices indicates that periodic audits significantly reduce fire incidents by identifying risks before they escalate into emergencies.

4. Technology Integration

The integration of advanced technologies can transform India’s fire safety ecosystem from reactive to predictive. AI-based fire risk prediction models can analyse historical data, weather conditions, and infrastructure patterns to identify high-risk zones. IoT-enabled alarm systems can provide real-time alerts, enabling faster response and reducing damage.

Emerging technologies such as drone-based firefighting and surveillance can be particularly effective in dense urban areas and industrial zones where traditional firefighting methods face accessibility challenges. Additionally, GIS-based mapping of fire stations, hydrants, and risk zones can optimise resource allocation and reduce response times.

India’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives provide a strong foundation for embedding such technologies into fire safety governance.

5. Incentivised Compliance

Regulatory enforcement must be complemented by incentive-based mechanisms to encourage voluntary compliance. Linking fire safety adherence to insurance benefits can motivate businesses and households to invest in safety infrastructure. Buildings with certified compliance could receive lower insurance premiums, while non-compliant structures face higher risk costs.

Tax incentives for installing fire safety equipment, upgrading electrical systems, and adopting fire-resistant construction materials can further accelerate compliance. Such measures not only reduce the financial burden on stakeholders but also create a culture of proactive risk management.

6. Public Awareness Campaigns

Building a culture of fire safety requires sustained public engagement. Nationwide fire safety campaigns should focus on educating citizens about prevention, early detection, and emergency response. School-level education programs can instil fire safety awareness from an early age, creating a generation that is better prepared to handle emergencies.

Regular community-based fire drills, similar to models followed in countries like Japan, can enhance preparedness at the grassroots level. Volunteer programs and partnerships with civil society organisations can further strengthen outreach efforts, particularly in high-risk and underserved areas.

Mass media, digital platforms, and local governance institutions should be leveraged to ensure that fire safety awareness reaches every segment of society.

Bridging the gaps in India’s fire safety ecosystem requires a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach that combines regulatory reform, institutional strengthening, technological innovation, and behavioural change. As India advances toward the vision of Viksit Bharat, fire safety must transition from a reactive administrative function to a proactive, integrated, and citizen-driven national priority.

Fire safety is not merely a disaster management issue; it is a core developmental imperative that underpins India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047. As the country accelerates infrastructure expansion, industrial growth, and urban transformation, the need for systems that are safe, resilient, and sustainable becomes non-negotiable. This requires a fundamental shift in governance from reactive, post-incident response to proactive, prevention-driven frameworks that integrate technology, regulation, and accountability.

Equally important is the role of citizens, who must evolve from passive beneficiaries to active stakeholders in building a culture of safety through awareness, preparedness, and responsible behaviour. In this context, Fire Safety Week 2026 should not be seen as a symbolic observance but as the starting point of a sustained national movement toward a fire-resilient India, where economic growth is not only rapid but also secure, inclusive, and future-ready.

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Against this backdrop, the recent institutional collaboration between Financial Intelligence Unit-India and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre marks a decisive shift in India’s cyber-financial governance architecture.

The Scale of the Challenge: Data that Demands Action

India’s cybercrime landscape is witnessing exponential growth. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, cybercrime cases have been rising at an annual rate of over 24 percent in recent years, reflecting both increased reporting and a genuine surge in digital offences. A significant proportion of these crimes are financial in nature, with more than 60 percent of complaints linked to frauds involving digital payments. The Reserve Bank of India has also highlighted the scale of the issue, reporting banking frauds exceeding ₹30,000 crore annually, with an increasing share originating from online channels. Estimates further suggest that Indians lose over ₹10,000 crore every year to cyber-enabled financial frauds such as phishing, SIM swap scams, and UPI-related deception. This challenge is likely to intensify as India’s fintech ecosystem, projected to reach a $1 trillion valuation by 2030, continues to expand rapidly.

Why FIU-IND and I4C Matter: Complementary Strengths

1. Financial Intelligence Meets Cyber Intelligence

The Financial Intelligence Unit-India functions as the country’s central node for financial intelligence, receiving and analysing millions of Suspicious Transaction Reports annually from banks and financial intermediaries to detect patterns of money laundering and terror financing. In contrast, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre operates as a national hub for cybercrime coordination, building an ecosystem that enables law enforcement agencies to respond effectively to digital threats. It has developed platforms such as the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, cyber analytics tools, and suspect registries that facilitate real-time coordination among police, banks, and other stakeholders. In today’s environment, where financial crimes are often digitally executed and subsequently laundered through complex channels, the integration of these two domains creates a comprehensive intelligence framework capable of addressing the full lifecycle of cyber-financial crime.

2. Real-Time Intelligence Sharing: A Game Changer

One of the major limitations in India’s earlier approach to tackling cyber fraud was the siloed functioning of institutions, which often resulted in delayed responses, fragmented investigations, and lower conviction rates. The new collaboration seeks to overcome these barriers by enabling real-time data exchange, creating joint analytical frameworks, and establishing operational intelligence pipelines between agencies. This integrated approach is crucial in addressing what is often referred to as the “golden hour” in fraud cases—the critical window during which swift action can prevent the diversion of funds and enable timely account freezing. By reducing response times and enhancing coordination, the partnership significantly improves the effectiveness of enforcement actions.

3. Strengthening Fraud Detection and Prevention

The partnership also aims to enhance preventive capabilities by developing advanced fraud detection systems and standardized risk indicators. By combining financial transaction monitoring with cyber threat intelligence, authorities can identify suspicious patterns such as mule accounts, layered transactions, and cross-border laundering activities much earlier. Additionally, the collaboration will facilitate the issuance of sector-specific advisories and guidelines for banks and fintech companies, enabling them to strengthen their internal risk management systems. Over time, this shift from reactive enforcement to proactive prevention will play a critical role in reducing the overall incidence of cyber fraud.

4. Asset Recovery and Financial Justice

A persistent challenge in India’s fight against cyber fraud has been the low rate of recovery of defrauded funds, often due to jurisdictional complexities, delays in tracing transactions, and limited coordination among agencies. The enhanced collaboration between FIU-IND and I4C is expected to address these gaps by enabling faster identification and freezing of fraudulent accounts, improving the tracing of funds across jurisdictions, and facilitating more coordinated enforcement actions. This, in turn, will lead to higher recovery rates for victims and strengthen public confidence in the safety and reliability of digital financial systems.

Policy Significance: A “Whole-of-Government” Approach

The MoU reflects a broader shift toward a “whole-of-government” approach in addressing emerging threats in the digital economy. It aligns with India’s emphasis on building robust Digital Public Infrastructure, meeting global standards set by the Financial Action Task Force, and promoting data-driven governance. By integrating financial surveillance with cyber forensics and law enforcement coordination, the partnership establishes a multi-layered defense architecture capable of responding to complex and evolving threats.

Global Context: Learning from International Models

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1. Agriculture as the Backbone of Economic and Social Stability

Agriculture in India remains central to macroeconomic stability, rural livelihoods, and national food security. Contributing nearly 20 percent to Gross Value Added (GVA) and employing over 46 percent of the workforce, the sector underpins the socio-economic fabric of the country. According to estimates from the National Statistical Office, agriculture supports close to 55 percent of the population, either directly or indirectly.

Over the past five years, the sector has grown at an average annual rate of approximately 4.4 percent (constant prices), reflecting improvements in productivity, irrigation coverage, digital extension services, and policy-led institutional strengthening. This growth trajectory aligns with assessments by the Food and Agriculture Organization, which emphasizes India’s increasing role in ensuring global food system resilience.

2. Production Dynamics: Record Output and Structural Diversification

2.1 Food grain Expansion

India achieved a historic milestone in 2024–25 with total food grain production reaching 357.73 million metric tones (MMT)—an increase of over 25 MMT compared to the previous year. This growth has been driven by enhanced yields in cereals such as rice, wheat, and maize, supported by improved seed quality, better nutrient management, and expansion of irrigation infrastructure.

India’s output includes:

• Rice: 150.18 MMT
• Wheat: 117.94 MMT
• Pulses: 25.68 MMT
• Millets: 18.59 MMT

This production scale reinforces India’s position as a key stabilizer in global food supply chains.

2.2 Rise of Horticulture and High-Value Agriculture

A notable structural shift is visible in horticulture, where production reached over 362 million tones, surpassing food grain output. This reflects a transition toward high-value agriculture, driven by changing consumption patterns, urban demand, and export potential.

Between 2013–14 and 2024–25, horticulture production expanded from approximately 281 million tones to nearly 368 million tones. The diversification into fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops signals increased income elasticity and market orientation within the agricultural economy.

The NITI Aayog has highlighted horticulture as a critical driver for doubling farmers’ income and enhancing nutritional security.

3. India in Global Agri-Food Systems

3.1 Export Competitiveness and Value Addition

India’s agricultural exports have shown consistent expansion, increasing from USD 34.5 billion in FY20 to USD 51.1 billion in FY25, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 8 percent.

A significant qualitative shift is the rising share of processed food exports—from 14.9 percent in FY18 to 20.4 percent in FY25—indicating movement up the value chain. According to the World Trade Organization, value addition is a critical determinant of competitiveness in modern agri-food trade.

3.2 Commodity Leadership

India maintains a strong global position across multiple commodity groups:

• Cereals & Staples: Second-largest producer of rice and wheat globally
• Pulses & Millets: Largest producer worldwide
• Horticulture: Second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables
• Spices & Coconut: Global leader in production
• Cash Crops: Among top producers of cotton, sugarcane, tea, and coffee

The World Bank recognizes India’s diversified production base as a critical factor in mitigating global supply shocks.

4. Public Policy Architecture: Enabling Resilient Production

4.1 Expanding Fiscal Commitment

Public investment in agriculture has increased significantly. Budgetary allocation for the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare rose from approximately ₹21,933 crore (2013–14) to over ₹1.30 lakh crore (2026–27). This expansion reflects a long-term policy commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure, productivity, and farmer welfare.

4.2 Productivity-Led Transformation

India’s policy paradigm has shifted from input-intensive support to productivity-enhancing and sustainability-oriented interventions. Key mission-mode initiatives include:

• National Food Security and Nutrition Mission
• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31)
• National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)

These programs aim to reduce import dependence, improve yield efficiency, and promote climate-resilient agriculture.

Key Outcomes:

• Seed Systems: 6.85 lakh seed villages established
• Soil Health: Over 25.5 crore Soil Health Cards issued
• Irrigation: Coverage increased to 55.8 percent
• The International Food Policy Research Institute notes that such interventions significantly enhance total factor productivity in agriculture.

4.3 Credit, Mechanisation, and Technology Diffusion

Institutional credit disbursement reached ₹28.67 lakh crore in FY25, while 7.72 crore Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) are operational, ensuring liquidity across farm cycles.

Mechanisation access has been democratized through over 27,000 Custom Hiring Centers, enabling smallholders to access modern equipment. Additionally, livestock productivity improvements—supported by mass vaccination and artificial insemination—have strengthened allied sectors.

4.4 Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience

Sustainability has emerged as a core policy priority:

• Natural farming expanded to 6.39 lakh hectares
• Oilseed production increased significantly (55% growth over a decade)
• Ethanol blending programs saved over ₹1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange

These initiatives align with climate adaptation strategies emphasized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which advocates resource-efficient agriculture to mitigate climate risks.

5. Farmer Welfare and Risk Mitigation Systems

5.1 Income and Social Security

Direct income support through PM-KISAN has disbursed over ₹4.27 lakh crore, while pension coverage under PM-KMY is expanding social protection for smallholders.

Minimum Support Prices (MSP), fixed at least 1.5 times production cost, continue to provide price assurance and incentivize production.

5.2 Crop Insurance and Risk Coverage

Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

4.19 crore farmers insured (2024–25)

• Claims exceeding ₹1.90 lakh crore
• Coverage expanded significantly in recent years

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development identifies crop insurance as a critical instrument for stabilizing farm incomes in volatile climatic regimes.

5.3 Strengthening Cooperative Institutions

Digitization and expansion of cooperative institutions have enhanced collective bargaining and credit access:

• Over 54,000 PACS digitised
• 18,000+ new cooperative societies established
• Decentralised storage infrastructure under expansion
• These reforms improve market participation and reduce transaction costs for smallholders.

6. Market Reforms and Value Chain Modernisation

6.1 Digital Market Integration

The e-NAM platform has integrated 1.8 crore farmers and 1,656 mandis, facilitating transparent price discovery and interstate trade. This digital transformation reduces information asymmetry and enhances market efficiency.

6.2 Food Processing and Value Addition

The food processing sector contributes nearly 13 percent of manufacturing employment. Policy support through schemes such as PMKSY, PLISFI, and PMFME has:

• Strengthened cold-chain infrastructure
• Encouraged private investment
• Promoted micro-enterprise formalisation

According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, value addition is essential for rural industrialisation and export competitiveness.

6.3 Public Procurement and Food Security

India’s procurement system ensures both farmer price support and consumer food security:

• Wheat procurement: 300+ LMT
• Paddy procurement: Over 800 LMT
• National Food Security Act covers 81.35 crore beneficiaries

The Public Distribution System (PDS), supported by digital reforms such as One Nation One Ration Card, ensures efficient and transparent delivery.

7. Alignment with Global Development Frameworks

India’s agricultural transformation aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Enhanced production and food distribution
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Sustainable practices
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Resource-efficient agriculture
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure): Value-chain development

This alignment reinforces India’s role as a responsible global stakeholder in sustainable agriculture.

Toward a Resilient, Market-Integrated Agricultural Future

India’s agricultural sector is transitioning from a subsistence-oriented system to a resilient, market-linked, and technology-driven ecosystem. Record production levels, expanding export footprints, and robust policy support demonstrate a coherent strategy aimed at enhancing productivity, ensuring income stability, and strengthening global competitiveness.

The convergence of fiscal investment, institutional reform, digital innovation, and sustainability frameworks has created a multi-layered architecture capable of withstanding economic and climatic shocks. Going forward, deeper integration with global value chains, continued emphasis on value addition, and climate-smart agriculture will be critical in sustaining this trajectory.

In sum, India’s “fields to market” transformation represents not merely an agricultural success story, but a comprehensive development paradigm with implications for global food security, rural prosperity, and sustainable economic growth.

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At a time when global trade is undergoing fragmentation, supply chains are being reconfigured, and industrial policy is regaining prominence worldwide, India’s SEZ reforms signal an attempt to reposition these zones as dynamic nodes within global production networks rather than static export enclaves.

1. SEZs in a Fragmenting Global Economy

The global economic order is transitioning from hyper-globalization to what analysts describe as “managed globalization,” characterized by regionalization, strategic decoupling, and resilience-driven trade policies. According to the World Bank, global trade growth has moderated significantly compared to pre-2008 levels, while geopolitical risks and supply disruptions have increased.

Within this evolving landscape, SEZs are being reinterpreted as instruments of strategic industrial policy. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development notes that next-generation SEZs must integrate sustainability, digitalization, and innovation ecosystems to remain globally competitive.

India’s policy reforms must therefore be understood in the context of three global imperatives:

• Resilient supply chains replacing efficiency-only models
• Technological upgrading as a prerequisite for competitiveness
• Policy agility in response to volatile trade environments
• The Budget 2026–27 provisions reflect an alignment with these imperatives.

2. India’s SEZ Performance: Beyond Aggregate Metrics

India’s SEZ ecosystem, comprising 368 notified zones as of February 2026, has demonstrated strong quantitative performance. Exports exceeding ₹11.70 lakh crore (till December 2025), a growth rate of over 32%, and cumulative investments nearing ₹7.86 lakh crore underscore their macroeconomic relevance.

However, a more nuanced assessment requires moving beyond aggregate figures toward structural quality indicators, such as:

• Sectoral diversification (manufacturing vs. services)
• Integration with domestic value chains
• Technological intensity of output
• Employment quality (low-skill vs. high-skill jobs)

Research by the OECD suggests that SEZs deliver sustained economic gains only when they evolve from low-cost export platforms into innovation-driven industrial ecosystems. India’s recent policy direction—particularly the focus on semiconductors, electronics, and digital infrastructure—indicates a transition toward this higher-value paradigm.

3. The DTA Concessional Sales Reform: A Policy Innovation

The most analytically significant reform in Budget 2026–27 is the introduction of a calibrated domestic market access mechanism for SEZ units. Traditionally, the strict export orientation of SEZs created inefficiencies during periods of weak global demand, leading to underutilized capacity and financial stress.

By allowing a limited proportion of output to be sold domestically at concessional duty rates, the policy introduces counter-cyclical flexibility into the SEZ framework.

From a policy design perspective, this reform achieves multiple objectives simultaneously:

• Capacity Optimization: Firms can maintain production levels even during export slowdowns.
• Economies of Scale: Larger production volumes reduce per-unit costs, enhancing global competitiveness.
• Risk Diversification: Exposure to both domestic and international markets mitigates demand shocks.
• Fiscal Balance: Linking DTA sales to export performance preserves the export-oriented character of SEZs.

The International Monetary Fund has emphasized the importance of such adaptive trade mechanisms in enhancing industrial resilience, particularly in emerging economies exposed to global volatility.

This reform effectively transforms SEZs from rigid export enclaves into flexible production ecosystems, aligning them with contemporary industrial policy frameworks.

4. SEZs and the New Industrial Policy Paradigm

Globally, industrial policy has re-emerged as a central tool for economic strategy. The United States, European Union, and East Asian economies are all deploying targeted interventions to secure technological leadership and supply-chain control.

India’s SEZ reforms must be situated within this broader shift. Rather than adopting protectionist measures, India is pursuing a hybrid model that combines:

• Export competitiveness
• Domestic market integration
• Investment facilitation
• Technological upgrading

This approach reflects a recognition that global competitiveness and domestic capability are mutually reinforcing rather than mutually exclusive.

The extension of incentives to cloud computing and data center operations within SEZs is particularly significant. Digital infrastructure is increasingly becoming a determinant of economic competitiveness, and SEZs can serve as hubs for data-driven industrial ecosystems.

5. Technological Sovereignty and Semiconductor SEZs

The targeted development of SEZs for semiconductors and electronic components represents a strategic pivot toward technological sovereignty. The global semiconductor shortage during the COVID-19 period exposed the vulnerabilities of concentrated supply chains.

According to industry estimates, the global semiconductor market is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030, making it a critical sector for economic and strategic security.

India’s policy interventions—such as relaxed land norms, inclusion of free inputs in Net Foreign Exchange calculations, and permission for domestic sales—address key structural barriers to entry in this capital-intensive sector.

From a policy standpoint, these measures aim to:

• De-risk long-gestation investments
• Attract global technology firms
• Build domestic manufacturing capabilities
• Reduce import dependence

The development of semiconductor-focused SEZs thus reflects a shift from comparative advantage to competitive advantage, where policy actively shapes industrial capabilities.

6. SEZs as Nodes in Global Value Chains

Integration into global value chains (GVCs) is essential for sustained export growth. The Asian Development Bank highlights that participation in GVCs enhances productivity, technology transfer, and market access.

India’s SEZs provide the institutional and infrastructural framework necessary for such integration. However, the next phase of policy must focus on deepening linkages between SEZs and the domestic economy.

Key priorities include:

• Strengthening backward linkages with local suppliers
• Promoting innovation and R&D within SEZs
• Enhancing skill development ecosystems
• Improving logistics and connectivity

The concessional DTA sales provision can play a catalytic role in this process by bridging the gap between export-oriented production and domestic industrial ecosystems.

7. Employment, Human Capital, and Inclusive Growth

SEZs have already generated over 31 lakh jobs, but the qualitative dimension of employment is becoming increasingly important. The International Labour Organization emphasizes that future job creation must focus on high-skill, technology-driven roles to ensure sustainable growth.

India’s shift toward high-tech SEZs—particularly in electronics and semiconductors—has the potential to:

• Create high-value employment opportunities
• Enhance workforce productivity
• Foster skill development in advanced manufacturing

At the same time, SEZ-driven industrialization contributes to regional development by improving infrastructure, raising incomes, and creating new economic clusters.

8. Strategic Implications: From Trade Policy to Economic Statecraft

SEZs are increasingly becoming instruments of economic statecraft, influencing trade relations, investment flows, and geopolitical positioning. In a world where economic interdependence is being recalibrated, countries are leveraging industrial policy to secure strategic advantages.

India’s SEZ reforms reflect a pragmatic approach to this reality:

• Maintaining openness to global trade
• Enhancing domestic industrial capacity
• Building resilience against external shocks

This balanced strategy positions India as a credible and stable alternative in global supply chains, particularly as companies diversify production bases.

9. Challenges and the Need for Continuous Policy Evolution

Despite their potential, SEZs face structural challenges that require ongoing policy attention:

• Infrastructure gaps in certain regions
• Regulatory complexity at state levels
• Global competition from other emerging economies
• Environmental and sustainability concerns
• Addressing these challenges will require:
• Greater coordination between central and state governments
• Investment in logistics and connectivity
• Integration of sustainability standards
• Continuous policy innovation

 Toward a New Generation of SEZs

India’s SEZ policy is undergoing a critical transformation—from a static export promotion framework to a dynamic, multi-dimensional industrial strategy. The reforms introduced in Budget 2026–27, particularly the concessional DTA sales mechanism, reflect a sophisticated understanding of global economic realities and domestic industrial needs.

By embedding flexibility, technological focus, and global integration into the SEZ framework, India is laying the foundation for a new generation of industrial ecosystems capable of driving long-term growth.

In the coming decade, the success of SEZs will depend not merely on export volumes but on their ability to:

• Foster innovation
• Enable technological upgrading
• Integrate with global and domestic value chains
• Generate high-quality employment

If effectively implemented, these reforms could transform SEZs into strategic engines of India’s economic ascent, reinforcing its position as a major player in the evolving global economic order.

Reimagining SEZs: India’s Push for Global Competitiveness

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This article examines the project through a policy lens, integrating official statements, economic data, and institutional reports to assess its long-term implications for India’s development trajectory, global competitiveness, and aviation ecosystem.

1. Infrastructure as a Driver of Economic Transformation

Modern economic theory increasingly recognizes infrastructure as a foundational driver of productivity, investment, and regional integration. According to the World Bank, a 1% increase in infrastructure investment can lead to a 0.5–1% increase in GDP growth in developing economies. India’s recent policy direction reflects this understanding, with infrastructure spending expanding significantly over the past decade.

Government data indicates that India’s infrastructure budget has increased more than six-fold in the last eleven years, with approximately ₹17 lakh crore invested in highways and expressways alone. Additionally, over 100,000 km of highways have been constructed, while railway electrification has expanded from around 20,000 km before 2014 to more than 40,000 km in recent years. Nearly the entire broad-gauge rail network is now electrified, reflecting a shift toward efficiency and sustainability.

Within this broader context, the Noida International Airport is not an isolated project but part of a systemic infrastructure-led growth strategy aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

2. Aviation Sector Expansion: From Elite Access to Mass Connectivity

India’s aviation sector has undergone a structural transformation. From fewer than 75 operational airports a decade ago, the country now has more than 160 airports, reflecting a deliberate policy shift toward democratizing air travel. The International Air Transport Association projects that India will become the world’s third-largest aviation market by passenger volume within this decade.

A key driver of this transformation has been the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which has enabled over 1.6 crore passengers to access affordable air travel. The recent expansion of the scheme, with an allocation of approximately ₹29,000 crore, aims to develop 100 additional airports and 200 helipads, further deepening regional connectivity.

In this context, the Jewar airport represents a second major aviation hub for the National Capital Region (NCR), complementing existing capacity constraints and enabling long-term demand absorption. Importantly, Uttar Pradesh now ranks among the states with the highest number of international airports, signaling a shift in regional aviation geography.

3. Regional Development and Economic Spillovers

One of the most significant policy implications of the Noida International Airport lies in its regional development impact. The airport is expected to serve a vast economic belt, including Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Etawah, and Faridabad—regions that have historically faced infrastructure gaps.

Empirical studies from the OECD suggest that airport development can increase regional GDP by improving trade efficiency, attracting investment, and boosting tourism. Airports function as economic multipliers, generating both direct employment (aviation, logistics, services) and indirect employment (hospitality, retail, manufacturing).

For western Uttar Pradesh, the expected impacts include:

1. Enhanced market access for agricultural produce
2. Growth in small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
3. Increased foreign and domestic investment inflows
4. Expansion of tourism circuits (Agra–Mathura belt)

The integration of air connectivity with regional economic ecosystems is likely to transform the area into a high-growth industrial and logistics corridor.

4. Multimodal Connectivity and Logistics Efficiency

A defining feature of the Jewar project is its integration into India’s emerging multimodal transport framework. The region is strategically located near the convergence of the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors, with Dadri serving as a critical junction linking northern India to ports in Gujarat and eastern India.

According to the Asian Development Bank, efficient logistics systems can reduce trade costs by up to 20–25% in developing economies. India’s logistics costs, historically estimated at 13–14% of GDP, are being targeted for reduction to global benchmarks of 8–10%.

The airport’s integration with freight corridors, expressways, and rail networks enables:

• Faster export of agricultural and industrial goods
• Reduced transportation time and costs
• Improved supply chain resilience
• Greater global market access

This aligns with India’s National Logistics Policy, which aims to position the country as a global manufacturing and export hub.

5. Agricultural and Rural Economy Linkages

The policy narrative around the airport also highlights its implications for the agricultural economy. Western Uttar Pradesh is a major producer of sugarcane, cereals, and horticultural products. Improved air connectivity is expected to facilitate high-value agricultural exports, particularly perishable goods.

Additionally, the government has emphasized the role of ethanol production in reducing energy import dependence. India’s ethanol blending program has already contributed to significant foreign exchange savings. Official estimates suggest that without ethanol blending, India would have required an additional import of approximately 4.5 crore barrels (around 700 crore litres) of crude oil annually.

This policy linkage demonstrates how infrastructure, agriculture, and energy security are being integrated into a holistic development framework.

6. Employment Generation and Human Capital Development

Large-scale infrastructure projects generate employment across multiple sectors. The aviation sector alone is expected to create substantial opportunities in:

1. Piloting and aviation operations
2. Aircraft maintenance and engineering
3. Airport management and logistics
4. Hospitality and tourism

The World Economic Forum estimates that infrastructure expansion and digital transformation together could create millions of new jobs globally by 2030.

A particularly critical aspect highlighted in the project is the development of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem. Currently, approximately 85% of India’s MRO requirements are outsourced abroad, leading to significant capital outflow. Establishing MRO facilities at Jewar could:

1. Reduce foreign exchange expenditure
2. Build domestic technical expertise
3. Position India as a regional aviation services hub

7. Resilience Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

The inauguration of the airport comes at a time of global economic volatility, including geopolitical tensions in West Asia affecting energy supplies. India remains heavily dependent on imports for crude oil and natural gas, making it vulnerable to external shocks.

According to the International Monetary Fund, infrastructure investment during periods of global uncertainty can act as a stabilizing force, sustaining domestic demand and economic growth.

India’s continued investment in large-scale infrastructure projects—even amid global crises—signals a counter-cyclical growth strategy, aimed at maintaining economic momentum and reducing vulnerability to external disruptions.

8. Urbanization, Industrialization, and Investment Attraction

The development of Noida as an infrastructure and industrial hub reflects broader trends in India’s urbanization strategy. The region is already witnessing the establishment of a semiconductor manufacturing facility, expansion of metro networks, and deployment of high-speed rail systems such as the Namo Bharat corridor.

Such integrated infrastructure ecosystems enhance:

1. Ease of doing business
2. Industrial clustering
3. Foreign direct investment (FDI) attractiveness

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development notes that infrastructure quality is a key determinant of global investment flows. By improving connectivity and logistics efficiency, projects like Jewar airport strengthen India’s position in global value chains.

9. Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

While infrastructure expansion is essential for growth, it also raises concerns regarding environmental sustainability. Modern airport projects are increasingly incorporating:

1. Energy-efficient terminal designs
2. Renewable energy integration
3. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) frameworks

India’s broader infrastructure policy is gradually aligning with climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, aiming to balance growth with sustainability.

10. Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

Beyond economics, the airport also has strategic implications. Enhanced connectivity strengthens India’s integration into global trade networks and improves its logistical readiness.

Infrastructure development in northern India contributes to:

1. Strengthening national supply chains
2. Enhancing disaster response capabilities
3. Supporting strategic mobility

Such investments reflect a broader understanding that infrastructure is not merely economic capital but also strategic capital.

Conclusion

The inauguration of Phase I of the Noida International Airport marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure-led development journey. It exemplifies a policy approach that integrates aviation expansion, regional development, logistics efficiency, agricultural transformation, and global economic positioning.

By combining large-scale public investment with strategic planning, India is attempting to build a future-ready economic architecture capable of sustaining high growth, generating employment, and enhancing global competitiveness. The Jewar airport, therefore, is not just an aviation facility—it is a symbol of a broader transformation in how infrastructure is conceived, executed, and leveraged as a tool of national development.

As India moves toward its goal of becoming a developed economy, such projects will play a central role in shaping the country’s economic geography, strengthening its resilience, and positioning it as a key player in the global economy.

The post Noida International Airport: Driving Growth, Connectivity, and Strategic Transformation appeared first on VisionViksitBharat.

The example of the iPhone is sufficient to understand this truth. The cost of assembling an iPhone in China is around 10–15 dollars, roughly one thousand rupees, while the same phone is sold in the global market for anywhere between seventy thousand and one and a half lakh rupees. A natural question arises: where does the remaining value go? The answer is clear. The iPhone is designed in California, its chips are manufactured in Taiwan, its operating system and software are developed by engineers in countries such as the United States and India and the brand value remains with Western companies. In other words, the real profit goes to the country that thinks, innovates and owns intellectual property, not to the one that merely assembles the product.

The Illusion of Cheap Labour and the Reality of Purchasing Power

For decades, developing countries like India have believed that their greatest strength lies in cheap labour and on this basis, they have defined their role in the global economy. In the initial phase, this strategy did generate employment opportunities, but in the long run the same thinking became one of the biggest reasons for weak purchasing power. When an economy is primarily dependent on low-value activities such as assembly, packaging, or outsourcing, wages naturally remain limited and rapid growth in incomes becomes difficult.

Low income directly affects domestic consumption, leading to weak market demand and a slowdown in the pace of economic growth. The greatest burden of this situation falls on the middle class, which on the one hand struggles with rising inflation and on the other is forced to continually scale down its lifestyle and aspirations due to limited wage growth. In economics, this condition is described as the “middle-income trap,” where a country manages to move out of poverty but remains stuck at the threshold of becoming a developed economy due to the lack of innovation and high-value creation.

Real Wealth Knowledge Not Labour

Renowned economist Thomas Stewart, in his book The Wealth of Knowledge, clearly states that in the economy of the twenty-first century, the real form of capital is not labour or natural resources, but intellectual capital, that is, knowledge, innovation and skills. Today, the countries that are economically prosperous and stable are those that continuously invest in research and development, treat higher education as a national priority and establish leadership in high-value domains such as design, patents, software and brands.

This is precisely why Germany leads in advanced engineering, South Korea in electronics and technology, Japan in high-quality manufacturing and the United States in global innovation. The success of these countries underlines the fact that in the modern economy, real wealth is generated not by the labour of hands, but by the power of the mind.

Why Manufacturing Alone Is Not Enough

Relying solely on manufacturing is no longer sufficient to make a country prosperous in today’s global economy. A well-known study by American researchers Greg Linden, Kenneth Kraemer and Jason Dedrick, Who Profits from Innovation in Global Value Chains, reveals that China’s share in the total value of an iPhone is less than two percent, while most of the profits go to countries that own its design, software and brand. This example clearly shows that control over production and intellectual property matters far more than the sheer volume of production.

This reality is not limited to the mobile phone industry. In every modern sector, fashion, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and biotechnology, the leading countries are those that control innovation, not those that merely supply labour.

The Path to a Developed India Education and Innovation

For India, the true path to becoming a developed nation lies through education and innovation. If India genuinely seeks to become a developed country and bring about a substantial increase in the purchasing power of ordinary citizens, policy priorities must shift from merely expanding production to promoting knowledge-based development. At present, India spends only about 0.37 to 0.4 percent of its GDP on higher education and research, which is extremely low by global standards. In contrast, China invests around 1.2 percent and the United States more than 1.7 percent, while the figure is even higher in developed OECD countries.

This gap in investment in education and research ultimately determines which countries will become the creators of future technologies, products and ideas and which will remain merely consumers of innovations developed elsewhere.

Warnings from the World Bank and the United Nations

Global institutions such as the World Bank and the United Nations have repeatedly issued warnings on this issue. The World Bank’s report The Innovation Paradox clearly states that developing countries invest relatively less in innovation and higher education, even though these areas yield the highest returns. Similarly, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have consistently emphasized that without skill development, research, technical education and a strong startup ecosystem, no country can move beyond the role of a mere consumer in the global economy to become a nation that creates value.

Time to Move from Digital India to Design India

After the achievements of Digital India, the next and far more decisive goal before the country is to move towards “Design India.” India today stands at a historic juncture, with a vast young population, rapidly strengthening digital infrastructure and the active presence of global technology companies. However, merely writing code or providing services does not make a nation a technological superpower. For that, control is required across all four dimensions, design, development, discovery and disruption.

Until India develops its own semiconductors and chips, secures patents for its technologies, transforms its universities into genuine research hubs and builds deep partnerships between industry and academia, the economy will not be able to move towards high-value creation and the purchasing power of the common citizen will remain limited.

The message for policymakers is absolutely clear: if the dream of a truly developed India is to be realized, fundamental changes in thinking and priorities are essential. Education must now be viewed not merely as government expenditure but as a long-term national investment. Innovation should not be limited to startup culture but extended to all sectors, including industry, agriculture, health and governance. In addition, research and development must receive organized and sustained support at both public and private levels. Most importantly, instead of preparing youth merely to seek jobs, they must be empowered to create jobs, innovate and generate value, because the future of any nation depends on the creative capacity of its young generation.

Nations Are Built by Minds, Not Hands

As the world enters the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it becomes clear that nations are built not by the labour of hands but by the power of minds. Low-cost labour may have placed India on the global map, but only innovation and education can make it a master of that map. Today, what is needed is greater investment in minds rather than hands, prioritizing creation over mere manufacturing and moving beyond the mindset of cheap production toward high-value, high-quality creation.

If India is to achieve a real increase in the purchasing power of its citizens and truly become a developed nation, education and innovation must be more than just policy, they must become a national movement. Nations develop not by following the future but by shaping it.

The post From Digital India to Design India to Create, Innovate & Lead the World appeared first on VisionViksitBharat.

परंतु, अब ट्रम्प को वैश्विक स्तर पर हो रहे विभिन्न घटनाक्रमों को गम्भीरता से लेने की आवश्यकता है। भारत, रूस, ब्राजील एवं चीन आज विश्व के शक्तिशाली देशों की सूची में शामिल हैं। यह देश वेनेजुएला जैसे छोटे देश नहीं हैं जिन पर ट्रम्प अपना अधिकार एवं अपनी चौधराहट जता पाए। वेनेजुएला के राष्ट्रपति को उनकी पत्नी सहित ट्रम्प की सेना द्वारा रात्रि को सोते समय गिरफ्तार कर अमेरिका में ले जाया गया है। इसके बाद से ट्रम्प द्वारा यह बयान दिया जा रहा है कि वेनेजुएला स्थित तेल के कुओं से कच्चे तेल के भंडार को अब अमेरिकी कम्पनियों द्वारा निकाला जाएगा एवं इसे अंतरराष्ट्रीय बाजार में बेचा जाएगा और इस व्यवहार से होने वाले लाभ पर अमेरिका एवं वेनेजुएला का अधिकार होगा। यह तो संप्रुभता सम्पन्न राष्ट्र के अधिकारों का सीधा सीधा हनन है। वास्तव में अमेरिका की वेनेजुएला में कच्चे तेल एवं मूल्यवान खनिज पदार्थों के भंडार पर नजर है एवं इन्हें वह अपने कब्जे में लेना चाहता है इसीलिए वेनेजुएला के राष्ट्रपति को गिरफ्तार कर अमेरिका में लाया गया है और उन पर मुकदमा चलाया जा रहा है। इसी प्रकार, अब ग्रीनलैंड नामक द्वीप जिस पर इस समय डेनमार्क का अधिकार है, को भी अमेरिका अपने कब्जे में लेना चाहता है। अमेरिका के पास पहिले से ही ग्रीनलैंड में एक सैन्य अड्डा “पिटुफिक स्पेस बेस” है। परंतु, ट्रम्प यह पूरा द्वीप ही अमेरिकी कब्जे में लाना चाहते हैं क्योंकि अमेरिका की राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा के लिए इस द्वीप की उन्हें जरूरत है। वेनेजुएला को हथियाने के तुरंत बाद ट्रम्प ने वेनेजुएला के पश्चिमी पड़ौसी देश कोलम्बिया जहां तेल के विशाल भंडार है तथा सोना, चांदी, पन्ना प्लेटिनम और कोयले की भारी मात्रा में खदाने हैं, को भी चेतावनी दे दी है कि सरकार विरोधी प्रदर्शनों पर इतनी सख्ती नहीं की जानी चाहिए कि प्रदर्शन करने वाले नागरिकों की मौत ही हो जाए। अन्यथा, अमेरिका को इस स्थिति से निपटने के लिए हस्तक्षेप करना पड़ सकता है। ईरान भी इस समय बड़े पैमाने पर सरकार विरोधी प्रदर्शनों का सामना कर रहा है और ट्रम्प ने ईरान को भी चेतावनी दे डाली है कि ईरान में अगर और अधिक प्रदर्शनकारियों की मौत हुई तो अमेरिका को कठोर जवाब देना होगा।

मेक्सिको पर भी अमेरिका की टेड़ी दृष्टि पड़ रही है और अमेरिका का सोचना है कि मेक्सिको से अमरीका में ड्रग्स एवं अवैध अप्रवासियों का आना जारी है। अमेरिका का कहना है कि इसे यदि मेक्सिको प्रशासन द्वारा रोका नहीं गया तो अमेरिका को हस्तक्षेप करना पड़ेगा। ज्ञातव्य हो कि वर्ष 2025 में अपने दूसरे कार्यकाल के पहिले दिन ही ट्रम्प ने “गल्फ आफ मेक्सिको” का नाम बदलकर “गल्फ आफ अमेरिका” करने के लिए एक कार्यकारी आदेश पर हस्ताक्षर किए थे। वर्ष 2016 में अपने पहिले कार्यकाल के दौरान भी ट्रम्प ने मेक्सिको के साथ दक्षिणी सीमा पर एक दीवार बनाने का बयान दिया था।

क्यूबा के वेनेजुएला के साथ घनिष्ठ सम्बंध रहे हैं। वेनेजुएला द्वारा कथित तौर पर क्यूबा को लगभग 30 प्रतिशत तेल की आपूर्ति की जाती रही है, इसके बदले में क्यूबा, वेनेजुएला को डॉक्टर एवं चिकित्साकर्मी उपलब्ध कराता रहा है। क्यूबा, फ्लोरिडा (अमेरिका) से केवल 90 मील दक्षिण स्थित द्वीप है और 1960 के दशक की शुरुआत से ही अमेरिकी प्रतिबंधों को झेल रहा है। परंतु, अब क्यूबा, वेनेजुएला के राष्ट्रपति निकोलस मादुरो की गिरफ्तारी के पश्चात, तेल की आपूर्ति ठप्प होने के चलते मुश्किलों से घिर गया है और इसे अब अमेरिका पर निर्भर रहना ही होगा।

संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका की साम्राज्यवादी नीतियां लम्बे समय से चली आ रही है एवं अमेरिका अभी तक के अपने इतिहास में अन्य देशों पर हस्तक्षेप जैसे सैकड़ों मामलों में शामिल रहा है। वर्ष 1776 से वर्ष 2026 के बीच अमेरिका लगभग 400 हस्तक्षेपों में शामिल रहा है। इसमें से लगभग 200 हस्तक्षेप वर्ष 1950 के बाद के खंडकाल में हुए हैं। वर्तमान समय में भी अमेरिका 5 अलग अलग युद्धों में सार्वजनिक रूप से ज्ञात सैन्य अभियानों में शामिल है। सोमालिया, सीरिया और यमन में हो रहे युद्धों में अमेरिका अपने आप को, आतंकवाद के खिलाफ युद्ध में शामिल होना बताता है और वेनेजुएला में मादक पदार्थों के खिलाफ युद्ध में शामिल होना बताता है। इसी प्रकार अमेरिका रूस यूक्रेन के बीच हो रहे युद्ध, इजराईल हम्मास के बीच चल रहे युद्ध एवं कम्बोडिया थाईलैंड के बीच हुए युद्ध में भी अपनी चौधराहट दिखाता रहता है। अमेरिका द्वारा अन्य देशों के मामलों में हस्तक्षेप किया जाना सामान्य सी बात है। अभी हाल ही में नेपाल, बांग्लादेश एवं श्रीलंका में सत्ता परिवर्तन कराने में भी अमेरिका का हाथ बताया जाता है। अमेरिका द्वारा इन हस्तक्षेपों को जिन कारणों से उचित ठहराया जाता है, उनमें शामिल हैं – आतंकवाद विरोधी अभियान, शासन परिवर्तन, क्षेत्रीय विस्तार, अमेरिकी नागरिकों और राजनयिकों की सुरक्षा, आर्थिक अवसर, राष्ट्र निर्माण को बढ़ावा देना, लोकतंत्र को बढ़ावा देना और अंतरराष्ट्रीय कानून को लागू करना, आदि है। अमेरिका की विदेश नीति की हस्तक्षेपवाद मुख्य विचारधारा रही है। इसी नीति के तहत अमेरिका की नजर वेनेजुएला, ग्रीनलैंड, कोलम्बिया, ईरान, क्यूबा, मेक्सिको एवं नाईजेरिया में भी हस्तक्षेप करने की नजर आती है।

यूरोप के 7 देशों (फ्रान्स, जर्मनी, इटली, पोलैंड, स्पेन, ब्रिटेन एवं डेनमार्क) ने अमेरिका को गम्भीर चेतावनी दी है कि यदि ग्रीनलैंड पर अमेरिका द्वारा कोई सैनिक कार्यवाही की गई तो इसके गम्भीर परिणाम अमेरिका को भुगतने होंगे और बहुत सम्भव है कि इस कार्यवाही के बाद यूरोपीय देशों एवं अमेरिका का संयुक्त नाटो संगठन ही बिखर जाए। नाटो संगठन के सदस्य देशों के बीच यह समझौता है कि इस संगठन के किसी भी एक सदस्य पर यदि सैन्य हमला होता है तो यह सैन्य हमला समस्त सदस्य देशों पर माना जाएगा और समस्त सदस्य देश मिलकर इस सैन्य हमले का जवाब देंगे।

अमेरिका के राष्ट्रपति ट्रम्प ने दिनांक 7 जनवरी 2026 को 66 अंतरराष्ट्रीय संगठनों से अमेरिका को अलग करने की जानकारी प्रदान की है। इसमें 35 गैर संयुक्त राष्ट्र संगठन और 31 संयुक्त राष्ट्र की संस्थाएं शामिल हैं। ट्रम्प का सोचना है कि इन संगठनों की सदस्यता के चलते अमेरिकी हितों के अनदेखी हो रही है और इससे अमेरिकी पैसे की बर्बादी हो रही है। अमेरिका का यह कदम “अमेरिका फर्स्ट” नीति का हिस्सा माना जा रहा है और वैश्विक संस्थाओं से अमेरिका को दूर ले जाने का प्रयास है।

वैश्विक स्तर पर अब आर्थिक सत्ता का केंद्र पश्चिम से निकलकर पूर्व की ओर स्थानांतरित होता हुआ दिखाई दे रहा है और ट्रम्प अपने क्रियाकलापों से इसे गति देते हुए दिखाई दे रहे हैं। आज ब्रिक्स के सदस्य देशों में 325 करोड़ नागरिक निवास करते हैं और यह विश्व की कुल जनसंख्या का 40 प्रतिशत है। साथ ही, इन देशों की वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था में लगभग 39 प्रतिशत की भागीदारी है, जबकि जी-7 देशों का वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था में योगदान लगभग 29 प्रतिशत ही है। अतः आज विश्व के किसी भी शक्तिशाली देश के लिए ब्रिक्स के सदस्य देशों की अनदेखी करना अपने पैर पर कुल्हाड़ी मारने के समान है। अमेरिका केवल अपने दम पर कितने दिन चल सकता है, वह आज भी कई उत्पादों के लिए अन्य देशों पर पूर्णत: निर्भर है। आज की वैश्विक व्यवस्था में जब विभिन्न देश विभिन्न कारणों से एक दूसरे पर निर्भर हैं, ऐसे में अमेरिका द्वारा विश्व के कई शक्तिशाली देशों के साथ अपने सम्बन्धों को खराब करना, अमेरिका के हितों के विपरीत तो है ही, साथ ही, वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था को भी विपरीत रूप से प्रभावित कर सकता है। अमेरिकी एवं वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था को बचाने के लिए इसे अमेरिकी नागरिकों को तो समझना ही होगा।

The post तीसरे विश्व युद्ध की नींव रखतीं अमेरिका की साम्राज्यवादी नीतियां appeared first on VisionViksitBharat.

India has been UNICEF’s largest vaccine supplier for the past six to seven years, contributing 55% to 60% of total volume procured contributing 99%, 52% and 45% of the WHO demand for DPT, BCG and the measles vaccines, respectively.

India’s emergence as the “Pharmacy of the World” is not a coincidence but a well-orchestrated outcome of strategic policy reforms, industrial encouragement, and a robust regulatory environment under the Make in India initiative. Spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative has significantly reshaped the Indian pharmaceutical and medical devices industry—propelling it toward self-reliance, innovation, and global competitiveness.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes, introduced under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have emerged as transformative policy instruments to enhance India’s manufacturing ecosystem, reduce import dependency, and project India as a globally competitive manufacturing hub. Launched in 2020 across multiple sectors, these schemes specifically designed for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and critical drug intermediates have reinvigorated domestic industries, catalyzed foreign and domestic investment, and promoted high-value innovation.

India’s Growing Global Footprint in Pharmaceuticals

Make in India Boost to Medical Devices Sector

The medical devices industry, a critical pillar of the healthcare ecosystem, has experienced a significant transformation and rapid growth under the progressive policy framework of the Modi government. Recognizing the sector’s pivotal role in ensuring quality healthcare delivery—from early diagnosis to advanced treatment—the government has actively encouraged domestic manufacturing, technology adoption, and foreign investments. This comprehensive support has helped shift the industry from being import-dependent to becoming increasingly self-reliant and globally competitive.

Between April and December 2024 alone, the sector attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) worth ₹11,888 crore, reflecting growing international confidence in India’s meditech landscape. The Department of Pharmaceuticals, operating under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has played a facilitative role in reviewing and approving investment proposals that align with national priorities. As part of this effort, 13 FDI proposals amounting to ₹7,246 crore were approved in brownfield projects during the same period, reinforcing the government’s commitment to revitalizing existing facilities and upgrading them to meet global standards.

Beyond capital inflow, there has been a concerted push to strengthen indigenous capabilities in the manufacturing of high-end and critical medical equipment. Indian manufacturers, supported by schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for medical devices, have expanded production capacities in key segments such as radiology equipment, cancer diagnostics, imaging solutions, and implantable devices. This strategic development not only enhances access to cutting-edge medical technologies within the country but also positions India as a viable alternative to traditional global suppliers.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: Game-Changers

The PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals, approved by the Union Cabinet in 2021 with a substantial financial outlay of ₹15,000 crore, is a bold initiative to incentivize domestic manufacturers to expand production of high-value pharmaceutical products. Spanning from FY 2022–23 to FY 2027–28, the scheme provides performance-linked financial incentives to 55 selected companies, chosen for their capability to produce globally competitive pharmaceutical products.

This scheme strategically focuses on three product categories, including biopharmaceuticals, complex generics, anti-cancer drugs, autoimmune medications, and repurposed drugs—areas with high export potential and clinical significance. By encouraging domestic production in these critical areas, the government aims not only to improve India’s self-reliance in pharmaceutical innovation but also to boost exports to regulated markets such as the US, EU, and Japan. The scheme further promotes the development of a robust R&D ecosystem, reduces India’s dependence on imports for high-value formulations, and enhances long-term competitiveness in the global pharma market.

PLI Scheme for Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)

Recognizing India’s historic overdependence on imports, particularly from China, for key raw materials used in drug manufacturing, the government launched the PLI Scheme for KSMs, DIs, and APIs in 2020 with an outlay of ₹6,940 crore. This initiative, covering the period from FY 2020–21 to FY 2029–30, focuses on encouraging the domestic production of 41 essential bulk drugs, which form the backbone of India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The scheme has delivered commendable results. As of December 2024, the actual investment realized under the scheme stood at ₹4,253.92 crore, surpassing the initial commitment of ₹3,938 crore—demonstrating the industry’s overwhelming response and trust in the government’s vision. A total of 34 projects have been commissioned, covering 25 critical bulk drugs, which are now being manufactured domestically.

Among the most significant projects are the Penicillin G project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of ₹1,910 crore, expected to substitute imports worth ₹2,700 crore annually, and the Clavulanic Acid project in Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh, involving ₹450 crore of investment, expected to offset imports worth ₹600 crore per annum. These projects not only reduce India’s strategic vulnerabilities but also create a dependable domestic value chain in pharmaceuticals.

PLI Scheme for Medical Devices

The PLI Scheme for Medical Devices, launched in FY 2020-21 with a total outlay of ₹3,420 crore, addresses another critical segment of India’s healthcare sector. Until recently, India imported nearly 85% of its high-end medical equipment, posing both economic and strategic challenges. This scheme targets this imbalance by providing manufacturers with 5% incentive on incremental sales of eligible medical devices produced domestically.

The scheme covers advanced product segments such as radiology and imaging equipment, cancer care and radiotherapy devices, anesthetics and cardio-respiratory medical devices, and implants. Structured across two applicant categories, the incentive structure is designed to support both established and emerging players:

• Category A: Up to ₹121 crore per applicant over five years
• Category B: Up to ₹40 crore per applicant over five years

The scheme has already begun catalyzing the domestic production of complex and high-value devices, thereby reducing dependence on imports and creating a globally competitive meditech manufacturing ecosystem. Additionally, it strengthens ancillary industries and fosters skill development among healthcare professionals and biomedical engineers.

Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks

To further bring down manufacturing costs and fortify India’s pharmaceutical supply chains, the Government of India launched the Bulk Drug Parks Scheme in 2020 with a total financial outlay of ₹3,000 crore. This forward-looking initiative aims to create specialized industrial clusters equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, facilitating the large-scale production of bulk drugs, also known as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), which are essential components in drug formulation.

Under the scheme, three states—Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh—have been approved for the establishment of bulk drug parks. Each park is eligible to receive financial assistance of up to ₹1,000 crore, with the government covering up to 70% of the project cost in general states and up to 90% in Northeastern and hilly states. This high level of support ensures that manufacturers can access shared facilities such as common effluent treatment plants, solvent recovery units, captive power plants, warehousing, and testing labs—thereby dramatically reducing production costs and improving operational efficiency.

These parks are designed not just as production zones but as innovation-driven, cost-efficient ecosystems, promoting collaborative manufacturing and economies of scale. By consolidating production in well-equipped clusters, the scheme is expected to significantly reduce India’s import dependency for critical APIs, many of which were historically sourced from countries like China. In line with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat visions, the Bulk Drug Parks will play a pivotal role in building a resilient and self-reliant pharmaceutical supply chain, making India a globally dependable source of essential bulk drugs.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

A shining example of inclusive and people-centric health policy, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has transformed access to affordable healthcare across India. Anchored in the principle that quality medicines should not be a luxury but a right, the initiative ensures the widespread availability of quality-assured generic medicines at significantly lower prices compared to branded equivalents. As of April 8, 2025, the reach of this initiative has expanded remarkably, with over 15,479 Jan Aushadhi Kendras established across the country, spanning urban centers to the remotest corners of rural India.

The PMBJP operates with a multi-pronged strategy aimed at creating a sustainable and accessible healthcare ecosystem. One of its key pillars is public awareness—actively dispelling misconceptions around generic medicines and educating citizens that lower cost does not imply lower quality. The scheme also focuses on transforming prescribing behavior by encouraging doctors and healthcare providers, particularly in government hospitals and dispensaries, to recommend affordable generic alternatives without compromising therapeutic efficacy.

Equally significant is the scheme’s focus on last-mile delivery. Through its vast network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, it ensures the timely availability of essential medicines even in underserved and remote regions, where access to healthcare remains a challenge. These Kendras are not just retail outlets but symbols of health equity, offering more than 1,800 types of drugs and surgical products at affordable prices.

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PMBJP stands as a powerful testament to the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, health equity, and social justice. By bridging the affordability gap and promoting rational drug use, the scheme has not only lightened the financial burden on millions of families but has also strengthened public trust in India’s healthcare system.

SPI Scheme & Rising Innovation and R&D Capabilities

The Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) Scheme is a critical component of the Government of India’s broader strategy to enhance the resilience, innovation, and global competitiveness of the pharmaceutical sector. With an outlay of ₹500 crore for the period FY 2021–22 to FY 2025–26, the scheme provides targeted support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of India’s pharma manufacturing landscape. Through capacity-building initiatives, regulatory system upgrades, and the development of common testing and training facilities, the SPI Scheme aims to uplift the entire pharma value chain by fostering quality, compliance, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

One of the key objectives of the SPI Scheme is to facilitate technological modernization and regulatory harmonization, especially for SMEs that often lack the infrastructure to meet evolving global standards. By funding common facilities and offering technical assistance, the scheme promotes a shared innovation environment where smaller players can thrive alongside larger pharmaceutical giants. This approach ensures a more inclusive industrial ecosystem, aligned with the Make in India vision of empowering domestic industries at all levels.

In tandem with these capacity-building efforts, India’s pharmaceutical sector is undergoing a dynamic transformation in research and innovation, supported by bold and forward-thinking policies of the Modi government. India is no longer seen merely as a manufacturer of low-cost generics but is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for biopharma innovation and advanced healthcare technologies. The rise of biopharmaceutical startups has been particularly notable, with many leveraging indigenous talent and global collaborations to create cutting-edge solutions for both domestic and international markets.

Further bolstering this innovation ecosystem is the integration of digital health tools, which is transforming healthcare delivery, data management, and patient outcomes. In parallel, the development of a more robust clinical trial infrastructure is attracting global pharmaceutical companies to conduct trials in India, given the regulatory clarity, scientific talent, and cost advantages the country offers.

Crucially, India’s collaboration with leading international health agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and GAVI has not only elevated its role as a global public health contributor but also opened new avenues for technology transfer, quality benchmarking, and joint research. These engagements underscore the growing confidence in India’s scientific and regulatory capabilities.

Under the expansive umbrella of Make in India, the nation is transitioning from being a volume-centric producer to a value-driven innovator. The government’s emphasis on R&D, coupled with supportive infrastructure and international cooperation, is redefining India’s pharmaceutical identity—from a generic manufacturer to a global leader in drug discovery, biosciences, and healthcare innovation. This evolution marks a significant leap forward in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat, powered by self-reliant and future-ready pharma capabilities.

A Visionary Leap Toward Viksit Bharat

The transformation of India’s pharmaceutical sector under the Make in India initiative is a landmark achievement in self-reliance, health security, and global outreach. With focused schemes like PLI, Bulk Drug Parks, and PMBJP, the Modi government has empowered India to emerge as a trusted global health partner, delivering high-quality medicines and devices at scale and speed.

As India moves toward Viksit Bharat@2047, the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors will serve as pillars of growth, innovation, and diplomacy—proving that Make in India is not just a slogan, but a global strategy reshaping the future of health.

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India’s GI-tagged products such as Mysore Silk or Darjeeling Tea are not just economic commodities—they represent India’s cultural diversity and craftsmanship. They are a bridge to global recognition, economic development, and sustainability.

Geographical Indication (GI) tags have emerged as a crucial tool for protecting the uniqueness of products tied to specific regions. These tags serve as a certification that a product possesses qualities, reputation, or characteristics inherent to the geographical location from which it originates. GI tags are more than just labels—they are an intellectual property right, offering a range of benefits both domestically and globally. Here’s an in-depth look at their importance:

1. Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Regional Heritage

GI tags are instrumental in preserving and protecting traditional products, arts, and crafts, ensuring that the knowledge and skills passed down through generations remain safeguarded. In countries like India, where regions are known for their distinct agricultural products, handicrafts, and textiles, GI tags help preserve this rich heritage by preventing unauthorized use of these unique characteristics. For example, products like Darjeeling tea, Kancheepuram silk, and Mysore sandalwood are protected under GI tags, ensuring that the authenticity of the product is preserved.

2. Economic Empowerment for Local Producers

One of the most significant impacts of GI tags is their role in empowering local communities and small-scale producers. By granting them exclusive rights to sell products with GI tags, producers can command a premium price for their goods. This boost in market value benefits not only the artisans and farmers but also strengthens local economies. Additionally, GI tags help improve the bargaining power of producers in international markets, as they differentiate products from generic, mass-produced alternatives.

3. Global Market Recognition and Export Potential

On the global stage, GI tags help products stand out in the competitive international market. A GI-tagged product is viewed as an authentic, high-quality item linked to a specific region. This recognition increases the export potential of these products, as international consumers are increasingly seeking out unique, origin-based items. For example, French Champagne, Italian Parmesan cheese, and Indian Basmati rice are all internationally recognized GI products that have achieved global market success due to their unique characteristics and protected status.

By protecting local products from imitation or misuse, GI tags help create a strong and recognizable global brand for regional specialties. This contributes to an increase in exports, helping economies grow and flourish, particularly in developing nations.

4. Combating Counterfeit Products

The rise of counterfeit products has been a challenge for many industries, particularly in sectors like textiles, agriculture, and food products. GI tags serve as a powerful tool in curbing this problem, ensuring that consumers are assured of quality and authenticity. For example, a GI tag for a product like the Pashmina shawl guarantees that it is made from the fine wool of a particular breed of goat in the Kashmir region, protecting it from imitation products that attempt to exploit its reputation.

5. Promoting Sustainable Development

GI tags also encourage sustainable and eco-friendly production practices. Many GI products are rooted in traditional farming and craft techniques that emphasize sustainability and environmental responsibility. This not only helps protect the environment but also aligns with the growing global trend toward ethical consumption. For example, the GI status of “Kashmir Saffron” has helped maintain traditional farming methods that promote biodiversity and soil health.

6. Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power

On a diplomatic front, GI tags contribute to a nation’s soft power. By promoting and protecting indigenous products, countries can use these goods as tools of cultural diplomacy, fostering international goodwill and appreciation. For instance, India’s GI-tagged products such as Mysore Silk or Darjeeling Tea are not just economic commodities—they represent India’s cultural diversity and craftsmanship. Displaying these products at global trade shows or in foreign embassies enhances national pride and cultural influence.

7. Enhancing Brand Identity and Consumer Confidence

GI tags help create a unique brand identity for a region or product. Consumers are more likely to trust products with a GI tag because they are assured of the product’s origin and quality. Over time, this builds consumer loyalty and helps foster a strong brand image that transcends national borders. Products like Swiss watches and Japanese sake have long benefited from their GI status, enjoying global recognition for their quality and authenticity.

8. Encouraging Innovation and Diversification

While GI tags protect traditional products, they also encourage innovation within those traditions. Producers are motivated to diversify their offerings to meet changing consumer demands while maintaining the original qualities of the product. This balance of tradition and innovation ensures that GI products remain relevant in global markets.

The global importance of GI tags continues to grow as consumers become more discerning, valuing authenticity, quality, and origin. As countries increasingly recognize the economic, cultural, and social benefits of GI tags, we can expect to see a surge in the number of products protected by this system. In India, the ambitious target of reaching 10,000 GI tags by 2030 reflects a strong commitment to enhancing regional identities, protecting traditional knowledge, and boosting global exports.

In an interconnected world, where the demand for unique, high-quality, and authentic products is rising, GI tags are not just a means of preserving local culture—they are a bridge to global recognition, economic development, and sustainability.

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Using advanced drone and GIS technology for land demarcation, the scheme creates “Records of Rights” that foster property monetization, streamline access to bank loans, minimize property disputes, and enable comprehensive village-level planning. By facilitating economic empowerment and fostering Gram Swaraj, SVAMITVA is a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The Vision of SVAMITVA

Launched on National Panchayati Raj Day, April 24, 2020, the SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme aims to revolutionize rural India by providing legal ownership rights to property owners in village Abadi areas. Using advanced drone and GIS technology for land demarcation, the scheme creates “Records of Rights” that foster property monetization, streamline access to bank loans, minimize property disputes, and enable comprehensive village-level planning. By facilitating economic empowerment and fostering Gram Swaraj, SVAMITVA is a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

A Milestone Achievement

On January 18, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi e-distributed 65 lakh SVAMITVA property cards across more than 50,000 villages in 10 states and 2 Union Territories. In the presence of Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, beneficiaries received the cards digitally, marking a significant step in India’s journey toward rural economic empowerment. This milestone event reflects the Government’s commitment to empowering rural citizens and integrating them into the formal economy.

The Need for SVAMITVA

For decades, rural land surveys and settlement processes in India remained incomplete, leaving many Abadi (inhabited) areas undocumented. This lack of legal records excluded property owners from accessing institutional credit and prevented them from using their property as a financial asset. Such gaps hindered rural economic progress for over seven decades. Recognizing this critical challenge, the SVAMITVA Scheme was conceptualized to provide a modern solution, leveraging cutting-edge drone technology to survey and map village Abadi areas.

Key Achievements of the Scheme

Distribution of Property Cards:

• 65 lakh SVAMITVA property cards distributed across more than 50,000 villages in 10 states (Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh) and 2 Union Territories (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh).

Nationwide Implementation:

• 31 States/UTs have on-boarded the scheme.
• A total of 3,46,187 villages have been notified under the scheme.
• Drone surveys completed in 3,17,715 villages, achieving 92% of the target.

Property Card Preparation:

• Maps handed over for inquiries and property cards prepared for 1,53,726 villages.
• Nearly 2.25 crore property cards issued nationwide.

State-Level Progress:

• Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh achieved 100% drone surveys, with significant progress in property card preparation (73.57% and 68.93%, respectively).
• Haryana and Uttarakhand achieved 100% completion in both drone surveys and property card preparation.
• Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan achieved over 98% drone surveys.

Economic Impact:

• 67,000 sq.km of rural Abadi land surveyed, valued at Rs.132 lakh crore.
• Centralized online monitoring enables real-time tracking through a dashboard.
• Property cards accessible via DigiLocker for seamless digital access.

Technological Advancements:

• Survey-grade drones and the Continuous Operating Referencing System (CORS) network ensure high-resolution and accurate land maps.

Empowering Rural India

The SVAMITVA Scheme is more than just a land survey initiative; it is a transformative step toward empowering rural citizens with legal land ownership. By providing property rights, the scheme unlocks financial opportunities for millions, enabling them to leverage their land for economic growth. It also fosters social harmony by reducing property disputes and aligns with India’s vision of achieving self-reliance and sustainable development.

Transforming Rural Governance: The SVAMITVA Scheme

The SVAMITVA Scheme has emerged as a transformative initiative, reshaping rural governance and empowering communities through its innovative approach to property validation and land management. These examples underscore the scheme’s role in driving rural progress and fostering self-reliance.

Dispute Resolution

After 25 years of uncertainty, Smt. Sunita from Taropka village, Hamirpur Tehsil, Himachal Pradesh, finally secured ownership of her ancestral land through the SVAMITVA Scheme. With her property card, she resolved a long-standing dispute with her neighbor, bringing much-needed peace and stability to her family’s future. The SVAMITVA initiative provided clear legal ownership, significantly improving her situation.

Women Empowerment

Smt. Sawarn Kantra, a refugee from the 1947 partition, had never had official ownership papers for the land she’s lived on for years. For the first time, she received a property card, granting her legal ownership and securing her family’s future. This ownership provides her not only with financial security but also dignity and peace of mind. Through the SVAMITVA Scheme, Smt. Kantra gained legal rights to her land, ensuring empowerment and stability for her family in Dhoop Sari village, Ramgarh Tehsil, Samba District, Jammu and Kashmir.

Financial Inclusion

Sh. Sukhlal Pargi from Falated village, Sagwada Tehsil, Dungarpur District, Rajasthan, received a Patta and Property Card under the SVAMITVA Scheme. This official documentation enabled him to access formal financial services. Using the property card, he successfully availed a bank loan of Rs 3 lakh, which was disbursed in a streamlined manner. The SVAMITVA Scheme has provided him with not only legal ownership but also the opportunity for economic growth and stability.

Increased Own Source of Revenue

The SVAMITVA Scheme in Ekhatpur-Munjvadi, led by Smt. Shital Kiran Tilekdar, Sarpanch, successfully provided property cards to households, reducing land disputes and improving public space management. It helped resolve encroachments and road issues, enabling better village planning. The scheme boosted the Gram Panchayat’s Own Source Revenue (OSR) with updated property records and gave residents access to bank loans for construction, driving economic growth. This initiative enhanced governance, transparency, and financial sustainability, creating a model for rural development in India.

Leveraging SVAMITVA Maps for Panchayat Planning

Before the SVAMITVA Scheme, Bilkisganj Gram Panchayat in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, relied on hand-drawn maps, making it challenging to determine accurate land dimensions and estimate service costs. With the introduction of SVAMITVA Maps and spatial planning, the Panchayat now has access to precise, data-driven insights. This innovation has improved land allocation for various activities and optimized development planning. Under the leadership of Smt. Priya Rajesh Jangde, the shift to spatially informed planning has streamlined decision-making, enabling more effective land use and better service delivery, empowering Bilkisganj for sustainable development.

International Outreach to Showcase India’s Land Governance Model

Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to showcase the success of the SVAMITVA Scheme on global platforms. In March 2025, MoPR, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, has planned to host an International Workshop on Land Governance in India, with participation from nearly 40 representatives from Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This workshop aims to share best practices and advanced drone and GIS technologies, fostering collaboration for similar initiatives worldwide. In May 2025, the Ministry is also planning to participate in the World Bank Land Governance Conference in Washington to highlight India’s achievements and encourage international adoption of the model.

The SVAMITVA Scheme exemplifies the Government’s commitment to creating a dignified and empowered rural India. With its milestones achieved and the promise of further progress, the scheme is a testament to how technology and policy can converge to address longstanding challenges. As India strides toward its Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, SVAMITVA stands as a pillar of rural transformation, ensuring every citizen has access to the opportunities they deserve.

The SVAMITVA Scheme is reshaping the story of rural India—transforming age-old land ownership challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment. By marrying innovation with inclusivity, it breaks barriers, resolves disputes, and turns property into a powerful tool for economic progress. From high-tech drone surveys to digital property cards, the scheme isn’t just about maps and boundaries; it’s about dreams and possibilities. As villages embrace this change, SVAMITVA emerges as more than a government initiative—it’s a catalyst for self-reliance, smarter planning, and a stronger, unified rural India.

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The sports industry in China is valued at over $50 billion and is projected to grow significantly, with a focus on sports tourism, fitness, and broadcasting rights. The China Sports Industry Development Plan aims to increase the value of the sports industry to $815 billion by 2025.

In the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), sports play an indispensable role, not only in enhancing national pride and global stature but also in contributing to the holistic development of the nation. As India aims to rise as an economic powerhouse, achieving greatness in sports is equally crucial. Sports have evolved from a mere form of entertainment to a significant element of soft power, diplomacy, and national identity. To achieve the status of a developed nation by 2047, India must leverage sports to enhance its global standing, foster unity, and empower the youth. Here’s why India must emerge as a sports superpower and how it will shape India’s soft power globally.

China has successfully leveraged its position as a sports superpower to boost both its economic and geopolitical influence. The country has invested heavily in sports infrastructure, athlete development, and international sporting events. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, China topped the medal tally with 38 golds, 32 silvers, and 18 bronzes, further solidifying its dominance in sports. This success is the result of China’s strategic investment in programs like the Olympic Sports Training Program, which provides world-class facilities and coaching to athletes. The sports industry in China is valued at over $50 billion and is projected to grow significantly, with a focus on sports tourism, fitness, and broadcasting rights. The China Sports Industry Development Plan aims to increase the value of the sports industry to $815 billion by 2025. Additionally, China uses sports diplomacy as a key tool to enhance its global influence, hosting major international events such as the Beijing 2008 Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics. Through these initiatives, China not only strengthens its soft power but also drives domestic growth and enhances its international image, positioning itself as a global leader in both sports and diplomacy.

The Growing Significance of Sports in Modern Geopolitics

In the current century, geopolitics is increasingly shaped by non-military tools of influence, and soft power has emerged as a key instrument. Soft power refers to the ability of a country to attract and persuade others to adopt its values, culture, and ideals without the use of coercion or force. Unlike hard power, which involves military or economic might, soft power works through diplomacy, cultural exchange, media influence, and, increasingly, sports. Sports diplomacy is fast becoming one of the most powerful methods for nations to foster goodwill, strengthen international relationships, and elevate their global profile.

Sports as a Pillar of Soft Power

Sports have the unique ability to transcend cultural, linguistic, and political barriers. They provide a platform for nations to connect with diverse audiences across the world and build a positive image. Major international sporting events like the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, Asian Games, and ICC World Cup are watched by billions, offering countries an opportunity to showcase their culture, hospitality, and organizational capabilities. Nations that excel in sports are often seen as strong, vibrant, and dynamic—factors that positively influence their global reputation.

In particular, countries that invest heavily in sports and host major global sporting events are able to enhance their diplomatic ties and economic influence. For instance, the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia not only showcased Russia’s ability to organize a global event but also strengthened its political and cultural ties with several countries. Similarly, when China hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it positioned itself as a rising global superpower. Hosting such events helps countries to improve their image and foster long-lasting relationships with nations across the world.

The Role of Sports in Enhancing India’s Soft Power

India, despite being a cultural powerhouse with a rich history, has not yet fully capitalized on the potential of sports to enhance its soft power. According to the National Soft Power Index 2021, India ranked 35th among 60 countries, far behind global leaders such as the United States, China, and even smaller nations like Japan. While India is a dominant force in industries like technology, finance, and film, its sporting achievements are still developing, leaving a gap in its global soft power footprint.

However, the immense potential India has in the field of sports cannot be overstated. The country has a huge population, a burgeoning youth demographic, and an innate sporting culture, particularly in cricket, field hockey, and wrestling. Moreover, the rise of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), Indian Premier League (IPL), and the emergence of Indian athletes like Neeraj Chopra (Olympic gold in javelin), P.V. Sindhu (Olympic silver and bronze in badminton), and Mary Kom (six-time world champion in boxing) show the rising tide of Indian sports talent.

While these achievements have generated global attention, India’s sports ecosystem still remains underdeveloped in comparison to global giants like the United States, Russia, and Australia. To enhance India’s global soft power, a more strategic and inclusive approach to sports development is required.

How Becoming a Sports Superpower Can Strengthen India’s Global Position

1. Global Visibility and Influence: When a nation becomes a sports superpower, it significantly increases its global visibility. Countries like the USA, Russia, and China use their dominance in sports as an element of their foreign policy, leveraging sporting achievements to boost their international standing. India can achieve this by investing in grassroots sports, improving its training infrastructure, and ensuring its athletes perform on the global stage.
2. International Diplomacy: Countries with strong sports capabilities often use sporting events to engage in sports diplomacy. Through hosting international competitions or participating in sporting alliances, India can enhance its bilateral ties with countries across the globe. For example, India’s growing presence in the IPL has helped build relationships with countries like Australia, England, and South Africa. This creates pathways for political and economic collaborations.
3. Cultural Diplomacy and National Identity: Sports offer a powerful platform for showcasing a nation’s cultural values. India has a rich sporting heritage that includes traditional games like Kabaddi and Kho-Kho, which could serve as excellent cultural exports. By reviving and promoting such sports, India can present its unique culture to the world, thereby enhancing its cultural diplomacy. Sports figures like Sania Mirza, Sushil Kumar, and Vinesh Phogat can also be used as cultural ambassadors to represent India globally.
4. Youth Engagement and Empowerment: India has a youth population of over 600 million, making it the largest youth workforce in the world. Sports can provide these young people with an avenue to channel their energy, develop discipline, and achieve success, all of which contribute to nation-building. A thriving sports culture will create job opportunities, boost local economies, and provide youth empowerment, which in turn strengthens India’s soft power.
5. Economic Growth and Tourism: Hosting major sporting events, such as the 2036 Olympics in India, can boost the country’s economy through tourism, sponsorships, and international trade. The infrastructure improvements and stadium constructions needed to host such events will also provide a long-term boost to local economies. For example, Rio de Janeiro witnessed a rise in tourism during the 2016 Olympics, which provided a much-needed economic boost to Brazil.
6. Social Impact and National Unity: Sports have the ability to transcend barriers like caste, religion, and ethnicity. Through nationwide sporting initiatives, India can foster a sense of unity and national pride. Cricket, for example, is not just a sport in India; it is a unifying force that brings millions together. Likewise, through investments in women’s sports, Para sports, and indigenous sports, India can promote inclusivity and social equity.

India’s Sporting Aspirations: Setting the Bar High

India’s ambition to secure a top 10 position at the Olympic Games by 2036 and to host the 2036 Olympics is a reflection of the nation’s broader goals—transforming into a global leader not only in economic and political spheres but also in the domain of sports. This ambition represents a vision of a self-reliant, strong, and dynamic India—one that is globally competitive, both economically and in the sporting arena. The significance of sports as a tool for national pride, identity, and international diplomacy cannot be overstated.

India’s Growing Sports Ecosystem

India’s sports ecosystem is undergoing a major transformation, with a strong emphasis on grassroots development, improving infrastructure, and providing better support to athletes. Over the years, there has been a systematic effort to build an inclusive and sustainable sports infrastructure that will enable athletes to not only compete but also succeed at the highest international levels.

Programs such as Khelo India are designed to identify and nurture young talent from the grassroots level. Khelo India focuses on identifying potential athletes at the school level, providing them with scholarships, training, and equipment. This initiative is essential to creating a pipeline of athletes who can represent India in the future at major global competitions, including the Olympics. Similarly, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has been instrumental in supporting high-performance athletes with the resources they need to train and compete internationally. Under TOPS, athletes receive financial assistance, world-class coaching, and scientific support to enhance their performance.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics: A Milestone

India’s performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics marked a significant milestone in the country’s sporting journey. India secured 7 medals—1 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze—surpassing its previous best of 6 medals at the London 2012 Olympics. The gold medal, won by Neeraj Chopra in javelin throw, was especially historic, as it was India’s first-ever Olympic gold in athletics. This achievement reflected not only the individual brilliance of athletes but also the fruits of the country’s growing investment in sports infrastructure, training, and support.

Despite this success, India’s overall medal tally still lags behind other sporting powerhouses. China, for instance, won 38 golds, 32 silvers, and 18 bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. Similarly, USA secured 39 golds, showcasing their dominance in a variety of sports. This highlights the gap that India still needs to bridge to become a consistent top performer in the Olympics and secure a spot among the top 10 Olympic performers by 2036.

Bridging the Gap: From Grassroots to Global Success

To truly become a sporting superpower, India needs to continue focusing on improving its sporting ecosystem across several dimensions:

1. Grassroots Development: Initiatives like Khelo India are essential for identifying sporting talent at the grassroots level. By engaging students in sports and providing opportunities for early development, India can ensure that talent is discovered at an early age and nurtured through proper channels.
2. Training and Coaching: Increasing investment in world-class training facilities and hiring expert coaches from around the world will give Indian athletes the competitive edge they need to succeed on the international stage. Top athletes like Neeraj Chopra, P.V. Sindhu, and Lovlina Borgohain have shown that with the right support and infrastructure, Indian athletes can compete at the highest levels.
3. Funding and Sponsorship: The involvement of corporate entities and increased sponsorships are critical to improving the financial standing of Indian athletes. Corporate India, much like the role they play in the startup ecosystem, must take an active role in investing in the sporting ecosystem—whether it is by supporting national leagues, training facilities, or individual athletes. This would help bridge the gap between India and top Olympic performers in countries like the USA, China, and Russia.
4. International Competitions and Exposure: Participation in international competitions is vital for gaining experience and improving performance. Indian athletes need regular exposure to global sporting events and competitions to measure their progress, compete with the best, and bring back valuable lessons to improve their skills. It is equally important for India to host more international sporting events, which would further boost the country’s image and help improve the level of competition in domestic sports.
5. Youth Engagement and Inclusion: The youth of India make up a large part of the country’s population, and engaging them in sports is crucial for future success. Expanding the reach of sports to Tier 2/3 cities and rural areas will help tap into untapped potential and create a more inclusive sporting culture. These efforts could mirror the growth of sports in other countries, such as the rise of football in the USA or the dominance of badminton in China, where grassroots development has been a key factor.

The Economic Case: How Sports Drive National Development

In the 21st century, sports have evolved from being mere recreational activities to major economic drivers that contribute to a nation’s development. A thriving sports ecosystem does much more than bring home Olympic medals—it acts as a powerful engine for economic growth, job creation, national pride, and global influence. The sports economy has far-reaching effects, making it a vital component of a country’s overall economic strategy.

The Growing Sports Industry in India

The Indian sports industry was valued at approximately $2.7 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at an impressive annual rate of 15-20%. This growth is driven by increased government focus on sports development, the rise of sports leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the growing interest in fitness, wellness, and recreational sports among the population. As India continues its journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), the sports sector is poised to become a critical part of the national development agenda.

Investing in sports infrastructure—whether it’s stadiums, training facilities, or sports academies—creates a direct economic impact. These investments stimulate the local economy by generating employment opportunities in construction, maintenance, and operations. Moreover, the expansion of sports infrastructure encourages the growth of related sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail, contributing to the overall economy.

Jobs and Economic Multiplier Effects

Sports development generates numerous job opportunities, both directly and indirectly. Construction workers, engineers, event managers, and hospitality staff are just a few of the categories benefiting from the growth of sports infrastructure. Additionally, there are downstream benefits in industries like advertising, media, and broadcasting, which capitalize on the attention sports events attract.

According to the World Economic Forum, the sports sector’s multiplier effect can create jobs across several industries, including tourism, technology, marketing, and manufacturing. For example, the production of sports equipment and apparel directly impacts local industries, stimulating both domestic and export markets.

Sports and Tourism: A Symbiotic Relationship

Sports tourism is another significant driver of economic growth. Countries with a strong sporting presence—whether through hosting global tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup or the Olympic Games, or through the success of national athletes—attract international tourists. This influx of tourists contributes directly to the economy by increasing demand for hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local attractions.

For example, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics generated approximately $4.3 billion in revenue, not just from ticket sales, but also from increased tourism, sponsorships, and global broadcasting rights. Hosting such events creates a lasting legacy for cities and countries by improving their global brand recognition and creating a framework for future sports tourism opportunities.

India has the potential to capitalize on this opportunity. By investing in world-class sporting facilities and successfully hosting international sporting events, such as the 2036 Olympic Games, India can attract a massive influx of international visitors. This would not only increase the nation’s global profile but also serve as a magnet for foreign direct investment (FDI) in sports-related businesses.

National Pride and International Influence

Sports have an intrinsic link to national pride. Countries that excel in sports inspire their citizens and cultivate a sense of unity and national identity. This pride is not limited to the domestic front but extends to global audiences as well. The visibility that comes with hosting international sporting events and the performance of athletes on the world stage can significantly elevate a country’s soft power and diplomatic influence.

For example, countries like the USA, China, and Russia have leveraged their success in international sports to assert dominance in global diplomacy. Hosting major events like the Olympics or the World Cup not only allows these countries to project their influence but also attracts significant economic benefits through sponsorships, media rights, and tourism. In the case of India, hosting the 2036 Olympics could serve as a powerful demonstration of the nation’s growing stature on the global stage, both economically and politically.

Creating a Path for Growth

India’s ambition to become a sports superpower by 2036 and host the Olympics is not only about achieving excellence in sports. It is part of a broader vision to harness the economic potential of sports to fuel national growth. By investing in infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and promoting the corporate sector’s involvement, India can build a robust sports ecosystem that generates long-term economic returns.

Additionally, focusing on sports as an industry—with dedicated initiatives to develop local talent, build infrastructure, and improve coaching—will further solidify the sector’s potential as an economic driver. In the near future, sports could become a primary pillar of India’s economy, contributing to job creation, improving national infrastructure, and creating new opportunities for innovation.

Enhancing Soft Power through Sports Diplomacy

India’s growing presence in sports can enhance its soft power by improving its global image. India can use sports as a tool for cultural exchange, establishing itself as a nation that values fitness, inclusivity, and the spirit of competition.

One of the most significant opportunities for India lies in the growing popularity of cricket and kabaddi, both of which are unique to the country. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), launched in 2014, has become one of the most-watched sports leagues in the country, attracting international viewership and sponsors. Indian Premier League (IPL), a cricket league, has become a global phenomenon, with its reach extending far beyond the borders of India. The IPL generated an estimated $6.5 billion in brand value in 2023, making it one of the most lucrative sports leagues in the world.

Sports as a Tool for Social Transformation and Unity

Sports have always been more than just physical activities or forms of entertainment. In the context of a diverse country like India, sports serve as a catalyst for social change and unity, playing a key role in addressing critical social issues such as social inclusion, rural development, and youth empowerment. By embracing sports as a transformative tool, India can not only enhance its global standing but also drive positive social change at the grassroots level.

Harnessing the Potential of Rural India

India is home to more than 6 lakh villages and a population of 1.4 billion people. Despite this vast potential, the country’s rural regions often remain overlooked in terms of access to resources, education, and infrastructure. The vast majority of raw athletic talent remains untapped in these areas, primarily due to the lack of sports infrastructure and training opportunities.

By focusing on sports development in rural India, India can unlock the hidden talent that exists in these communities. Rural youth, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, face limited access to advanced training and coaching facilities, which restricts their ability to realize their potential. Investing in sports facilities in rural areas can help level the playing field, giving every child, regardless of their background, the opportunity to excel in sports.

Programs like Khelo India and the establishment of District-Level Sports Schools aim to bridge this gap by identifying and nurturing sporting talent from the grassroots level. These initiatives provide financial support, specialized training, and the infrastructure required to help youth from rural areas transition to professional sports.

Moreover, these programs encourage community participation and create a sense of ownership and pride within villages, fostering social cohesion. In the long run, sports can help break the cycle of poverty by providing young people with opportunities to rise above their circumstances and represent their country on international platforms.

Women Empowerment through Sports

Gender equality remains a significant challenge in India, with women often facing barriers in education, employment, and social mobility. Sports offer a unique platform to break down these barriers and promote women empowerment. India has witnessed a growing number of women athletes who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also become powerful symbols of strength and resilience.

Women like Mary Kom, P.V. Sindhu, Mithali Raj, and Hima Das have defied societal expectations and excelled on the world stage, bringing pride to the nation. These athletes have inspired millions of girls and young women across India to pursue sports, showing them that they can achieve greatness, irrespective of gender.

The Khelo India Women’s League and other government initiatives are designed to provide women with the resources and opportunities needed to succeed in sports. The Khelo India Scheme, in particular, offers scholarships and training to young women athletes, empowering them to compete at national and international levels. Additionally, efforts to improve women’s sporting infrastructure are helping create a more inclusive environment where female athletes are provided with the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

Such programs not only improve medal outcomes but also serve as a statement about the country’s commitment to gender equality. By promoting women’s sports, India is signaling that it values the contribution of women to the national narrative and is actively working toward creating an inclusive society.

Social Inclusion and National Unity

Sports also play a crucial role in fostering national unity and social inclusion. In a country as diverse as India, where regional disparities and cultural differences often create divides, sports have the unique ability to bring people together. Whether it is the Indian national cricket team uniting millions of fans during the ICC tournaments or the Hockey team’s performance in the Olympics inspiring national pride, sports transcend linguistic, cultural, and geographical barriers, creating a sense of belonging and shared identity.

Programs aimed at inclusive sports development foster a sense of community by encouraging participation from all sections of society, including marginalized communities. For example, initiatives focused on tribal populations, scheduled castes, and backward classes can bring these communities into the mainstream of sports, giving them a platform to showcase their talent and compete at national and international levels.

In turn, these initiatives help bridge the gap between urban and rural India, ensuring that talent from remote regions and disadvantaged backgrounds gets the recognition it deserves. Sports can, thus, become a unifying force, promoting social harmony and inclusiveness in a rapidly evolving nation.

The Roadmap: Key Initiatives for India’s Sporting Future

To transform India into a sports superpower and enhance its soft power globally, several key initiatives need to be implemented:

1. Investment in Infrastructure: Modernize sports facilities across the country, especially in rural and underserved areas.
2. Targeted Athlete Development: Focus on developing elite athletes through world-class coaching, training programs, and international exposure.
3. Corporate Partnerships: Encourage corporate houses to adopt sports through CSR initiatives, funding district-level sports schools, and creating training academies.
4. Host Major International Events: Secure hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics, which will provide a platform to showcase India’s sporting capabilities and infrastructure to the world.
5. Promotion of Indigenous Sports: Revitalize indigenous sports like Kabaddi, Kho Kho, and Wrestling to strengthen cultural diplomacy and celebrate India’s unique heritage.

As India charts its path toward becoming a Viksit Bharat, becoming a global sports superpower will be an essential pillar of that transformation. Sports not only improve national pride and economic growth but are also powerful tools for building soft power. With the right policies, partnerships, and investments, India can not only excel at the 2036 Olympics but also use sports as a catalyst for social change and unity. By nurturing talent, investing in infrastructure, and fostering inclusivity, India will emerge as a sporting nation, enriching its identity and cementing its position on the global stage.

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India’s expertise in meteorology, through IMD, has enabled accurate disaster predictions, benefiting neighboring countries. Platforms such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among nations, further strengthening global disaster resilience.

India’s emergence as the leader of the Global South is a testament to its growing global stature and unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes. As Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal remarked at the World Congress on Disaster Management, India has established itself as the “first responder” for the Global South during times of natural disasters. This leadership not only showcases India’s capabilities but also aligns with its vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. Lets delve in to this.

India’s Leadership in Disaster Management

India’s proactive role in disaster management has solidified its reputation as a reliable partner in the Global South. The country’s initiatives in disaster relief, mitigation, and resilience are a reflection of its holistic approach to crisis management.

Regional Assistance:

India has consistently supported neighboring countries in flood prevention, control, and other disaster mitigation efforts. For instance, during the devastating Nepal earthquake of 2015, India was the first to respond with relief teams and supplies.

The “Vaccine Maitri” initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic is another shining example, where India supplied free vaccines to over 100 countries, ensuring equitable access to life-saving resources.

Global Humanitarian Leadership:

India’s armed forces, recognized globally for their efficiency, play a crucial role in international rescue and relief missions. Whether it’s aiding earthquake-hit Turkey or responding to the Sri Lankan economic crisis, India has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to humanity.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) advancements have helped mitigate disasters through early warnings, significantly reducing casualties in recent years.

Key Drivers of India’s Disaster Management Model

India’s approach to disaster management is anchored in a comprehensive strategy that combines traditional wisdom with modern innovations. This multifaceted framework ensures effective immediate response and builds long-term resilience, positioning India as a global leader in disaster management.

Integration and Coordination

A pivotal element of India’s disaster management strategy is its “whole-of-government” approach, which integrates efforts across national, state, and local levels. Under this approach, all branches of governance work cohesively to address crises effectively. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 10-point agenda for disaster management provides a robust framework, emphasizing risk mapping, technological integration, capacity building, and international collaboration. This agenda highlights a unified command structure where agencies such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) work seamlessly with state and local authorities to ensure prompt and efficient responses. Additionally, regular disaster drills and collaborations with NGOs and community organizations enhance preparedness across the country.

Disaster Relief Funding

India has significantly bolstered its financial mechanisms for disaster relief, ensuring swift support during crises. The State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) provide immediate assistance during disasters, with allocations having tripled in the last decade. Preemptive budgetary allocations allow states to implement disaster preparedness measures proactively, reducing the severity of potential impacts. Beyond immediate relief, these funds are also used for rebuilding critical infrastructure, ensuring that recovery efforts contribute to long-term resilience. Public-private partnerships further augment disaster financing, enabling large-scale recovery projects and infrastructure development.

Legislative Framework

India’s legislative foundation for disaster management has evolved significantly over the years. The Disaster Management Act of 2005 established the NDMA and its state counterparts, providing a structured framework for disaster governance. The recent Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill of 2024 marks a major advancement by facilitating the creation of a comprehensive disaster database at the national and state levels. This database enables better preparedness through historical data analysis and predictive modeling. Additionally, the bill mandates regular audits of disaster management plans to ensure adherence to global best practices.

Education and Awareness

A critical component of India’s disaster management strategy is fostering a culture of preparedness through education and awareness. Disaster management has been integrated into school curricula, teaching students essential skills for responding to emergencies. Interactive simulations, such as earthquake drills and flood evacuation exercises, are used to impart practical knowledge. Public awareness campaigns, such as the Apda Mitra initiative, train community volunteers in basic disaster response techniques, further strengthening grassroots preparedness. Furthermore, specialized training programs for professionals, including police, firefighters, and healthcare workers, enhance the overall readiness of the nation’s response system.

Insurance and Relief Mechanisms

Insurance plays an integral role in mitigating the financial impact of disasters. India’s disaster management framework emphasizes streamlined insurance claim processes to ensure timely relief for victims. Accurate and factual assessments of damages expedite the disbursal of claims, preventing unnecessary delays. Schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provide vital insurance coverage to farmers, safeguarding them against crop losses caused by natural calamities. Additionally, microinsurance initiatives offer affordable coverage to economically vulnerable communities, enabling them to recover without falling into poverty.

Shaping a Resilient Global South

India’s leadership in disaster management has extended its impact beyond its borders, fostering resilience across the Global South. The country’s advancements in disaster prediction and management technologies are shared with developing nations to enhance their preparedness. For example, India’s expertise in meteorology, particularly through the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), has enabled accurate disaster predictions, benefiting neighboring countries. Platforms such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among nations, further strengthening global disaster resilience.

Empowering Women in Disaster Management

Empowering women has been a key focus of India’s disaster management strategy. Women’s participation in disaster response and recovery efforts ensures inclusivity and a more holistic approach to addressing crises. Training programs tailored for women equip them with essential skills, enabling them to take leadership roles in disaster management teams. Self-help groups (SHGs) led by women have played a significant role in community-level disaster preparedness. Furthermore, post-disaster initiatives such as microloans and vocational training help women rebuild their lives and contribute to economic recovery, fostering resilience within vulnerable communities.

The Role of Disaster Management in Viksit Bharat

India’s progress in disaster management is not just about addressing crises; it’s about building a resilient nation capable of sustaining development in the face of challenges. The link between disaster resilience and development is clear:

1. Economic Stability: Disaster management reduces economic disruptions caused by natural calamities, ensuring steady progress toward becoming a $10 trillion economy by 2047.
2. Infrastructure Development: Building climate-resilient infrastructure aligns with India’s sustainability goals and ensures long-term growth.
3. Social Harmony: Effective disaster response fosters trust between citizens and the government, strengthening the social fabric.

India’s Vision for the Future

India’s disaster management model is a reflection of its commitment to resilience, inclusivity, and global collaboration. By integrating cutting-edge technology, comprehensive legislation, and grassroots initiatives, India is not only safeguarding its citizens but also shaping the future of the Global South. This approach aligns seamlessly with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat, where robust disaster management ensures sustainable development and social harmony. As India continues to lead by example, it inspires other nations to build a safer, more resilient world. Through collective efforts, the vision of a cohesive, disaster-resilient Global South can become a reality, and India will stand as its guiding light.

As a leader of the Global South, India’s vision for disaster management extends beyond immediate relief to fostering global collaboration for sustainable development. By combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, India is setting benchmarks for resilience and inclusivity. India’s journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat is intertwined with its role as a global humanitarian leader. With its expertise, resources, and commitment, India is not just responding to disasters but also shaping a resilient future for itself and the world. Through initiatives like disaster education, innovative legislation, and regional partnerships, India is paving the way for a secure and prosperous Global South.

The philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family) underpins India’s approach, ensuring that no one is left behind in times of need. This spirit of unity, coupled with a robust disaster management framework, makes India a true global leader in resilience and development.

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Cruise Bharat Mission envisions the establishment of 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas, facilitating both domestic and international cruise services. A series of infrastructure projects have been planned in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. 

Inland waterways have emerged as a vital component of India’s transportation landscape, especially in the realm of tourism. A significant achievement in this sector is the launch of the Cruise Bharat Mission, aimed at revitalizing and expanding river cruise tourism in India. This initiative, launched with a strategic vision, is set to elevate India’s position as a global destination for river cruises and maritime tourism. The government has committed to enhancing the inland waterways infrastructure, and as part of this commitment, various projects and schemes are being implemented across the country.

Growth in River Cruise Tourism

From April to November 2024, National Waterways recorded a growth of nearly 7% compared to the previous year, highlighting the increasing potential of these waterways for both commercial and tourism purposes. Notably, the river cruise sector has seen tremendous growth in the past decade. The number of river cruise vessels has surged from just 3 in 2013-14 to an impressive 25 in 2023-24. This growth lays the foundation for the Cruise Bharat Mission, which aims to significantly boost cruise tourism over the next five years. The mission envisions the establishment of 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas, facilitating both domestic and international cruise services.

Strategic Developments and Investments Across Regions

The Cruise Bharat Mission is not just about enhancing infrastructure but also about fostering regional connectivity. Strategic regional projects and agreements with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar are aimed at creating seamless transportation connectivity in South Asia. These collaborations will not only promote tourism but also bolster trade between these nations through improved waterway routes.

In Andhra Pradesh, the government is setting up six floating steel jetties along the river Godavari (NW 4), which will serve as critical terminals for river cruises. The development includes feasibility studies on river Penna (NW 79) and a detailed project report (DPR) for the further expansion of river transport. This initiative is just a part of the broader ₹267 crore investment dedicated to the comprehensive development of National Waterways, including the expansion of NW-3, NW-4, NW-5, and the addition of 13 new National Waterways.

Revitalizing Assam’s Inland Waterways

Assam, with its rich riverine landscape, is another region benefitting from the Cruise Bharat Mission. The government has announced the establishment of a Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) in Dibrugarh, aimed at incubating innovations and training manpower for the inland waterways transport (IWT) sector in the Northeast. This institution will encourage research, development, and skills training to foster a robust maritime ecosystem in the region. Additionally, several new tourist jetties are being set up in Assam, including at Biswanath Ghat, Neamati Ghat, Silghat, and Guijan. These projects will not only enhance tourism but also create employment opportunities and contribute to regional economic development.

Goa’s Push for Waterways Tourism

Goa, renowned for its coastal beauty, is set to become a key player in India’s river cruise tourism, with the announcement of ten community jetties across rivers such as Mandovi, Cumberjua, and Zuari. The addition of three more jetties on rivers like Sal and Chapora will further strengthen the infrastructure for cruise tourism in the state. Furthermore, proposals for fairway maintenance on several National Waterways in Goa and the implementation of Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS) will enhance the safety and efficiency of maritime transport.

Enhancing Infrastructure and Connectivity Across India

To ensure a seamless travel experience, a series of infrastructure projects have been planned in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The government is also expanding the National Waterways network by setting up jetties in Delhi on the Yamuna (NW 110) and in Jammu & Kashmir on the Jhelum (NW 49) for cruise tourism and urban transportation. The operationalization of rivers like Chenab (NW 26) and Ravi (NW 84) for tourism, covering stretches in Himachal and Punjab, further demonstrates the commitment to bolstering waterway tourism. Additionally, the government is focused on bathymetric surveys and the development of green vessels to ensure sustainability and environmental conservation in these projects.

Special Focus on Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya and Agra

Uttar Pradesh, with its rich historical and cultural significance, is set to become a key player in India’s river cruise tourism, thanks to the ambitious projects under the Cruise Bharat Mission. In Ayodhya, the government plans to establish two steel jetties and enhance the river transport infrastructure, which will improve accessibility to this revered religious city. The initiative will not only foster religious tourism but also promote Ayodhya as a prominent river cruise destination.

Moreover, the development of a river cruise circuit from Kailash Mandir to the Taj Mahal along the Yamuna (NW 110) in Agra promises to offer tourists an unforgettable experience. This circuit will provide a unique perspective of the Taj Mahal from the river, adding a new dimension to the visit. The river cruise route will enhance the appeal of Agra, drawing more tourists to explore the city’s iconic monuments and heritage while enjoying a serene, scenic journey along the Yamuna. The integration of river transport into Uttar Pradesh’s tourism sector is expected to boost local economies, create employment opportunities, and establish a more sustainable mode of travel for tourists, further cementing the state’s role as a key destination for river cruise tourism in India.

Incentives for Cruise and Cargo Movement

The Cruise Bharat Mission is complemented by the Jalvahak Scheme, which incentivizes the movement of cargo via inland waterways. By offering fixed scheduled services between key locations such as Kolkata, Patna, and Varanasi, the government is enhancing the viability of inland waterways for commercial as well as tourism purposes. The scheme not only empowers vessel operators but also supports business enterprises in achieving cost-effective and timely delivery of goods.

Future Prospects and Vision

The Cruise Bharat Mission is part of a broader vision to transform India’s inland waterways into a dynamic, multi-purpose transportation network that caters to both passenger and cargo services. Over the past decade, India has witnessed a 767% increase in the number of operational National Waterways and a 635% increase in the volume of cargo handled. The Cruise Bharat Mission is poised to take this success to new heights, further contributing to India’s economic growth and tourism sector.

With these strategic investments and developments, India is on its way to becoming a leading destination for river cruises, offering tourists unique experiences while promoting regional development and connectivity. As India sails toward its vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat, the Cruise Bharat Mission represents a new dawn for tourism, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

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Since 2014, the number of operational national waterways has increased by 767%, and cargo traffic has grown from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes.

India’s inland waterways have historically been vital for trade and connectivity. However, their potential remained untapped until the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi revitalized this sector. The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC), established in 2023, is a shining example of cooperative federalism and an ambitious step towards harnessing the economic and environmental benefits of inland water transport (IWT). Legislative reforms, including the National Waterways Act 2016 and Inland Vessels Act 2021, have streamlined vessel operations and safety.

The IWDC announced investments exceeding ₹50,000 crore over the next five years. Significant infrastructure developments in 21 inland waterway states, worth ₹1,400 crore, were unveiled, marking a transformational leap in the nation’s logistics and connectivity landscape. Modi Government emphasized that inland waterways represent a sustainable and efficient alternative to road and rail networks, decongesting traditional transport routes.

Employment Generation and Skill Development in the IWT Sector

The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) is focused on driving economic growth, employment generation, and skill development, alongside fostering regional connectivity and reducing logistics costs. One of the key aspects of IWDC’s strategy is the development of shipbuilding and repair facilities across National Waterways (NWs). This initiative aims to enhance the inland water transport (IWT) sector by not only reducing operational costs but also boosting ancillary industries. It is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, particularly for riparian communities, while promoting the development of local economies through better access to transportation. The government also plans to establish nine Regional Centres of Excellence (RCoEs) to skill the workforce, encouraging innovation and research in the marine and IWT sectors. These RCoEs will help create job opportunities and foster a highly skilled workforce across the nation.

Investments and Infrastructure Development

Significant investments in the development of National Waterways are also underway. For instance, ₹267 crore has been allocated for the development of various National Waterways, including NW-3, NW-4, NW-5, and 13 new NWs. This investment is part of a broader plan to boost river cruise tourism, which has already seen a remarkable increase in the number of vessels—from just three in 2013-14 to 25 in 2023-24. The government’s ambitious Cruise Bharat Mission aims to establish 100 river cruise terminals and five marinas, further boosting tourism, employment, and regional trade. In addition, the IWDC has outlined a substantial investment of over ₹1,000 crore in Assam to develop regional waterways, enhance infrastructure, and improve connectivity. These projects are expected to spur economic growth in the region and create jobs.

New Jetties and Ship Repair Facilities Across Regions

The government’s commitment to enhancing inland waterways extends to setting up various jetties, ship repair facilities, and new infrastructure. For example, in Andhra Pradesh, six floating steel jetties are being established, while Assam will benefit from the creation of new tourist jetties and ship repair facilities. Uttar Pradesh is also receiving significant investments, including the construction of floating jetties, electric catamarans, and a ship repair facility in Ghazipur. These projects not only promote regional economic growth but also enhance the logistics and transport infrastructure of the country.

Incentivizing Cargo Movement through the Jalvahak Scheme

The government is also incentivizing the movement of cargo via inland waterways through the Jalvahak Scheme, which offers a 35% subsidy to promote the use of IWT. The scheme is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs, making Indian businesses more competitive. It is particularly important for the growth of the IWT sector, as it encourages cargo operators to utilize inland waterways for long-haul transport. This initiative, along with the growing infrastructure developments, is contributing to the Modi government’s broader vision of transforming India’s transport sector and achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat.

Growth and Legislative Reforms in the IWT Sector

In terms of the impact of these projects, the IWT sector has seen a staggering 767% increase in the number of operational National Waterways since 2014. Cargo traffic on these waterways has grown from 18 million tonnes a decade ago to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24. This growth has been accompanied by a 233% increase in investments in National Waterways, which highlights the government’s commitment to developing the sector. Legislative reforms, such as the National Waterways Act 2016 and the Inland Vessels Act 2021, have streamlined vessel operations, ensuring smooth and safe movement of cargo across the country.

Cooperative Federalism in Action

The IWDC exemplifies the Modi government’s approach to governance—bringing together the Centre and states to unlock the full potential of India’s inland waterways. The participation of ministers from multiple states highlights the shared commitment to national progress.

Towards Viksit Bharat Through Inland Waterways

Overall, the IWDC’s focus on infrastructure development, employment generation, and regional connectivity reflects a comprehensive approach to leveraging India’s waterways for economic transformation. The initiatives not only promise immediate economic benefits but also lay the foundation for long-term growth, ensuring that the country’s inland waterways play a crucial role in the realization of Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister Modi’s focus on transforming transportation underpins India’s march towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. The inland waterways sector is a critical component of this journey, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability, and cooperation can propel India to new heights.

As the nation sails forward, the rejuvenation of inland waterways is not just a logistical triumph—it’s a testament to the Modi government’s resolve to transform India into a Viksit Bharat.

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Modi’s initiatives in Andhra Pradesh are setting the stage for a new era of sustainable development, economic growth, and regional prosperity.

On January 10, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works worth over ₹2 lakh crore in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. In his address, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the people of Andhra Pradesh, remarking that this was the first official event in the state since the formation of the new government. He paid his respects at Lord Simhachalam Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple and was deeply moved by the grand welcome during the roadshow prior to the event.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Andhra Pradesh is a state of vast possibilities and opportunities. He remarked that as these possibilities are realized, not only will Andhra Pradesh flourish, but it will also play a pivotal role in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. He highlighted the state’s ambitious target of becoming a $2.5 trillion economy by 2047 and reassured the people that the Union government is committed to working in tandem with Andhra Pradesh to make this vision a reality.

The development projects inaugurated today are a significant step toward transforming Andhra Pradesh’s economy. The Prime Minister stressed that the central government had given special priority to the state, investing in projects that cater to various sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy. Shri Modi congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh and the nation at large for these developments, which will pave the way for a prosperous future.

Sustainable and Prosperous Andhra Pradesh

One of the most significant highlights of today’s event was the Prime Minister’s focus on making Andhra Pradesh a hub for futuristic technologies. He noted that the state, known for its innovation and technological prowess, is well-positioned to lead in emerging sectors like green hydrogen. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023 with the goal of producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, will have a hub in Visakhapatnam, which is set to become one of the few cities globally with large-scale green hydrogen production facilities. The project is expected to create numerous job opportunities and contribute to the development of a manufacturing ecosystem in the region.

Boosting the Pharma Industry and Smart Urbanization

Shri Modi also laid the foundation for the Bulk Drug Park project in Nakkapalli, one of the three such parks being established in India. This park will provide world-class infrastructure for pharmaceutical manufacturing and research, enhancing investor confidence and boosting the local pharma industry.

Additionally, the Prime Minister launched the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area, also known as Kris City, a smart city that will be a key part of the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. This project is expected to attract billions in investments and generate millions of industrial jobs in Andhra Pradesh, further solidifying the state’s position as a manufacturing hub.

The government also envisions a new age of urbanization for Andhra Pradesh, aiming to make the state a model for sustainable and inclusive growth. With initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the state is set to become a leader in manufacturing, positioning itself among the top industrial states in the country.

Infrastructure Development and Railway Expansion

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for the South Coast Railway Zone headquarters in Visakhapatnam, fulfilling a long-standing demand for a separate railway zone. This development will boost agricultural trade and tourism, creating new economic opportunities for the region. With Andhra Pradesh already benefiting from projects like Shri City and railway electrification, the Prime Minister remarked that the state’s railway network is being modernized, with over 70 stations being developed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

Furthermore, the introduction of Vande Bharat trains and the ongoing development of rail connectivity projects will significantly enhance ease of travel for the people of Andhra Pradesh, making transportation faster, more efficient, and sustainable.

Promoting the Blue Economy and Maritime Opportunities

Recognizing the importance of Andhra Pradesh’s coastline for trade, the Prime Minister highlighted the need to leverage maritime opportunities through the promotion of the blue economy. He called for the modernization of Visakhapatnam’s Fishing Harbour to increase the income and business for fishermen. Moreover, the government is ensuring maritime security while providing Kisan Credit Cards to support the fishing community.

Inclusive Growth for All Sections of Society

Prime Minister Modi concluded his speech by reiterating the Union government’s commitment to inclusive and holistic development. He emphasized that every section of society will benefit from these transformative projects. From infrastructure development to technological advancements and job creation, the government is ensuring that no one is left behind in the development process.

In a historic moment for Andhra Pradesh, the Prime Minister’s visit marked a turning point for the state’s growth trajectory. With ₹2 lakh crore worth of projects inaugurated, the vision for a prosperous, developed Andhra Pradesh is now well on its way to becoming a reality. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the state is poised to emerge as a major economic powerhouse, contributing significantly to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

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India recorded an all-time high food grain production of 332.30 million tonnes and horticultural production of 352.23 million tonnes for 2023-24, as per the third advance estimates.

Agriculture has been the backbone of India’s economy, supporting over half of the population and contributing significantly to GDP. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has implemented transformative policies and initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity, empower farmers, and pave the way for a self-reliant India. These efforts not only address immediate concerns of the farming community but also lay a strong foundation for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

Unprecedented Enhancement in Budget Allocation

In 2024-25, a substantial allocation of ₹1,22,528.77 crore has been made under various schemes and programs for farmers’ welfare. This historic budgetary boost ensures robust funding for critical agricultural reforms, infrastructure development, and welfare schemes. By providing financial support for modernizing farming practices, ensuring timely subsidies, and improving infrastructure, this allocation empowers farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, increases productivity, and strengthens rural livelihoods.

Record Food Grain Production

India recorded an all-time high food grain production of 332.30 million tonnes and horticultural production of 352.23 million tonnes for 2023-24, as per the third advance estimates. These record figures reflect the success of government initiatives in improving agricultural productivity and food security. Increased production not only ensures adequate supply for domestic consumption but also enhances export potential, leading to better incomes for farmers and supporting India’s agricultural economy.

Income Support to Farmers Through PM-KISAN

Launched on 24th February 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme provides annual income support of ₹6,000 in three equal instalments to landholding farmers. With over ₹3.46 lakh crore disbursed to 11 crore farmers through 18 instalments, it is one of the world’s largest DBT schemes. The scheme reduces financial strain on farmers, provides consistent cash flow for essential farming activities, and helps mitigate risks associated with crop failures. By leveraging technology, it ensures transparency and hassle-free benefits, enhancing the socio-economic stability of farmers.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), launched with a ₹1 lakh crore allocation, provides long-term debt financing for projects like warehouses, cold storage, and processing centers. Since 2020, ₹51,364 crore has been sanctioned for 84,159 projects. Expansion measures, such as integrating community farming assets and secondary processing, have further increased its scope. By reducing post-harvest losses, lowering input costs, and boosting productivity, AIF enables farmers to improve their income and strengthen the agricultural value chain, fostering sustainable development in rural areas.

Promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

The Central Sector Scheme for Formation & Promotion of 10,000 FPOs, launched on 29th February 2020 with a budget of ₹6,865 crore until 2027-28, has successfully registered 9,180 FPOs. These organizations empower small and marginal farmers by enabling collective farming, better access to credit, technology, and markets. By facilitating economies of scale and reducing production and marketing costs, FPOs enhance profitability for farmers and create a resilient and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Fixing of MSP at One-and-a-Half Times the Cost of Production

The government has ensured a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all mandated Kharif, Rabi, and commercial crops, offering at least a 50% return over the all-India weighted average cost of production since 2018-19. For the 2023-24 season, MSP for Paddy (common) has been set at ₹2,300 per quintal, and Wheat at ₹2,425 per quintal. This policy provides a safety net for farmers by guaranteeing remunerative prices for their produce, encouraging higher investment in agriculture, enhancing productivity, and ensuring financial security.

Namo Drone Didi Scheme

With an approved outlay of ₹1,261 crore, this Central Sector Scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for offering rental services like applying fertilizers and pesticides. In 2023-24, 500 drones were distributed, with the remaining 14,500 planned for delivery by 2025-26. The scheme creates sustainable income opportunities, as SHGs can earn at least ₹1 lakh annually, while also promoting precision farming. The initiative reduces input wastage, lowers environmental impact, and improves crop yields, leading to enhanced farmer income and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Per Drop More Crop

Launched in 2015-16, this scheme promotes water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler systems. By December 2024, approximately 95 lakh hectares have been covered, with financial assistance provided—55% for small and marginal farmers and 45% for others. A NITI Aayog evaluation found improvements in water efficiency (30%-70%), farmer income (10%-69%), and employment opportunities. By addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable irrigation, the scheme enhances productivity and contributes to long-term agricultural resilience.

Institutional Credit for Agriculture Sector

Ground-level credit disbursement in agriculture has grown by 349%, from ₹7.30 lakh crore in FY 2013-14 to ₹25.48 lakh crore in FY 2023-24. Short-term loans have increased by 275%, while credit through the Kisan Credit Card scheme has grown 270%, ensuring accessible and affordable financing for farmers. This expansion in credit availability empowers farmers to invest in modern agricultural inputs and technologies, leading to higher productivity, reduced dependency on informal lending, and improved economic stability.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Launched in 2016, PMFBY offers comprehensive crop insurance against natural calamities and unforeseen weather events. Over ₹1.70 lakh crore in claims have been settled, ensuring timely support for farmers. The DigiClaim feature, introduced in Kharif 2023, streamlines payments via the National Crop Insurance Portal. The Krishi Rakshak Portal (KRPH) and a toll-free helpline ensure effective grievance redressal. By mitigating risks and offering financial protection, PMFBY helps stabilize farmer incomes and encourages continued agricultural activity even in adverse conditions.

Setting Up of e-NAM Platform

The e-NAM platform has integrated 1,410 mandis across 23 States and 4 UTs, registering 1.78 crore farmers and 2.63 lakh traders by December 2024. With a recorded trade volume of 11.02 crore metric tonnes and commodities worth ₹4.01 lakh crore, e-NAM enhances market accessibility and price transparency. Farmers benefit from competitive pricing, reduced transaction costs, and the elimination of middlemen, thereby maximizing their earnings and strengthening the agricultural supply chain.

Digital Agriculture Mission

In the 2023-24 Union Budget, the government proposed the creation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture, which has been further enhanced in the 2024-25 Budget. The DPI will provide comprehensive data on farmers, including demographic details, land holdings, and crops sown, and integrate both state and central government data for innovative, farmer-centric services. The Digital Agriculture Mission, approved in September 2024 with a budget of ₹2,817 crore, is central to this initiative. It includes three key components: AgriStack, the Krishi Decision Support System (DSS), and Soil Profile Mapping. AgriStack will create digital IDs for 11 crore farmers and introduce a nationwide Digital Crop Survey. DSS will integrate geospatial data on crops, soil, weather, and water, while soil profile maps will cover 142 million hectares. This mission will also launch the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey for accurate yield predictions. The initiative will generate employment for 2,50,000 trained youth and Krishi Sakhis, empowering farmers with access to advanced technologies like AI and remote sensing, leading to better decision-making, improved farm management, and increased agricultural productivity.

Soil Health & Fertility Scheme of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

The Soil Health Card (SHC) and Soil Health Management (SHM) programs under RKVY have significantly contributed to improving soil fertility and ensuring better yields for farmers. With 75 lakh soil samples collected and 53 lakh SHCs generated by 2024-25, farmers receive customized recommendations for improving soil health. This initiative also includes the School Soil Health Programme, with over 1,000 schools participating and 125,972 students enrolled, creating awareness about soil health from an early age. The scheme has benefited 31 lakh farmers, who have received soil health advisories, promoting better farm management practices that lead to enhanced productivity and sustainable agricultural practices.

Promotion of Natural Farming

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) aims to promote natural farming in mission mode across the country. With a total outlay of ₹2,481 crore, the scheme focuses on reducing chemical input reliance and enhancing soil health through organic farming practices. This approach not only reduces input costs for farmers but also improves the quality of produce and ensures long-term environmental sustainability. The promotion of natural farming supports the reduction of environmental degradation, enhances biodiversity, and helps farmers achieve higher returns by adopting organic and eco-friendly farming methods.

Agroforestry Component under RKVY

The Agroforestry component under RKVY encourages tree plantation on farmland to generate additional income for farmers. Over the period from 2016-17 to 2021-22, 1.21 lakh hectares were planted with 532.298 lakh trees, benefiting around 1.86 lakh farmers. The scheme was restructured in 2023-24 to provide quality planting materials and support the establishment of agroforestry nurseries. In 2024-25, ₹33.24 crore was allocated to 21 States/UTs for the promotion of agroforestry, with accredited nurseries providing high-quality saplings for farmers. This initiative enhances farmers’ income by diversifying their agricultural activities and offers environmental benefits by promoting biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM)

The National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM), launched under the AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiative, focuses on promoting scientific beekeeping and achieving the ‘Sweet Revolution.’ With a budget of ₹500 crore (extended through 2025), the mission aims to establish infrastructure such as Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres (IBDCs), Honey Testing Labs, Beekeeping Equipment Manufacturing Units, and Custom Hiring Centres. Major achievements include the establishment of 8 regional honey testing labs, 33 honey processing units, and 385 hectares of bee-friendly plantations. This mission supports farmers by diversifying their income streams through beekeeping, improves crop pollination, and contributes to the growth of the honey industry, generating employment and boosting agricultural productivity.

Toward Viksit Bharat: Agriculture as the Keystone

Through these initiatives, the government has committed significant resources to transforming Indian agriculture by promoting mechanization, sustainability, climate resilience, and market access, aiming to empower farmers and increase agricultural productivity while ensuring food security for the nation.

The Modi government’s holistic approach to agriculture and farmer welfare is not just about increasing yields or incomes; it is about transforming agriculture into a sustainable, technology-driven, and globally competitive sector. By addressing structural challenges and empowering farmers through innovative schemes, India is not only securing its food supply but also creating opportunities for rural prosperity and economic growth.

Agriculture’s transformation under Modi is a cornerstone of the vision for Viksit Bharat. As the sector becomes more resilient, efficient, and inclusive, it paves the way for a developed India where prosperity reaches every corner of the nation.

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These combat platforms are not just naval assets; they are a testament to India’s growing prowess in indigenous shipbuilding and advanced engineering. Their development and commissioning reflect the Modi government’s unwavering commitment to building a self-reliant defense ecosystem capable of competing with the world’s best.

15th January 2025 will forever stand as a landmark day in India’s defense history, marking the simultaneous commissioning of three frontline naval assets: Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigates; Surat, the fourth and final destroyer under Project 15B; and Vaghsheer, the sixth and last Scorpene-class submarine. This historic event, taking place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, highlights India’s remarkable strides in indigenous defense manufacturing under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Strengthening India’s Maritime Power

The commissioning of these advanced combat platforms reinforces India’s maritime strength at a time when global maritime security dynamics are increasingly complex. Designed and built entirely by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, these assets symbolize India’s growing self-reliance in defense production, a cornerstone of the Modi government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision.

Nilgiri, a part of the Project 17A frigates, is an improvement over the Shivalik-class ships, with enhanced stealth features and state-of-the-art weaponry. Surat, the final destroyer of Project 15B, builds on the successful Kolkata-class destroyers, incorporating advanced technology and improved operational capabilities. Both vessels, developed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, feature cutting-edge sensors and weapons, many of which have been indigenously developed, showcasing the synergy between the Navy and India’s defense industry.

The Vaghsheer submarine, part of the Kalvari-class project, is among the world’s most advanced diesel-electric submarines. Its versatility and ability to conduct a wide range of operations – from anti-submarine warfare to intelligence gathering – make it a critical asset for the Navy.

A Testament to Indigenous Excellence

These combat platforms are not just naval assets; they are a testament to India’s growing prowess in indigenous shipbuilding and advanced engineering. Their development and commissioning reflect the Modi government’s unwavering commitment to building a self-reliant defense ecosystem capable of competing with the world’s best. The successful trials and rigorous testing of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer underscore India’s capability to produce warships and submarines that meet international standards.

Inclusivity and Modernization

A noteworthy feature of these ships is the inclusion of accommodations and operational facilities for women officers and sailors, reflecting the Navy’s progressive approach to gender inclusion. The ships also boast modern aviation capabilities, such as the ability to operate advanced helicopters, including the newly inducted MH-60R, ensuring operational flexibility under diverse conditions.

Modi Government’s Focus on Naval and Defense Strength

The Modi government has prioritized the strengthening of India’s defense forces as a pillar of its “Viksit Bharat” vision for 2047. By investing in indigenous capabilities and fostering public-private partnerships in defense manufacturing, the government has laid the foundation for a robust, modern, and self-reliant military.

The commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer marks a significant milestone in realizing this vision. It not only enhances India’s maritime security but also underscores the nation’s determination to emerge as a global power capable of defending its sovereignty and strategic interests.

As India steps into this new era of naval capability, it is a moment of pride and a call for continued innovation. The Modi government’s unwavering focus on enhancing India’s defense capabilities, including the modernization of the Navy, is paving the way for a powerful and Viksit Bharat. With these achievements, the dream of a strong, self-reliant, and globally respected India is closer than ever.

Let this historic day inspire every Indian to contribute to the nation’s growth and development, as we sail confidently into a future marked by strength, self-reliance, and unparalleled achievements.

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The Narendra Modi government has undertaken transformative social welfare programs and labor reforms, which serve as a cornerstone for building a “Viksit Bharat.” These initiatives aim to empower workers, improve employability, and ensure social security, contributing to the holistic development of the nation.

Below are some remarkable achievements:

e-Shram: A One-Stop Solution for Unorganized Workers

Launched as a centralized platform, e-Shram has become a game-changer for unorganized workers, with over 30 crore registrations. The platform provides access to 12 social welfare schemes, including:

• One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)
• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

e-Shram also facilitates targeted delivery of benefits to platform workers through data-sharing mechanisms with states and union territories.

National Career Service (NCS): Bridging Job Seekers and Employers

The NCS Portal has mobilized over 3.89 crore vacancies since its inception, integrating with 30 state/UT employment portals and private job platforms. This year alone:

• 1.89 crore vacancies were mobilized.
• Over 8,000 job fairs were conducted, with 2.7 lakh candidates selected for jobs.
• 11,451 overseas vacancies were posted by MEA-registered agents.

Additionally, the portal focuses on inclusivity by providing career counseling and job opportunities for differently-abled individuals and SC/ST candidates.

Building and Construction Workers MIS Portal

Launched to streamline data management for welfare boards, the portal has integrated with e-Shram in 10 states. This initiative ensures that workers in the construction sector receive social security benefits, including Ayushman Bharat health coverage.

Labour Codes Implementation

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has facilitated the harmonization of rules under the four labor codes across states. Steps such as:

• Single registration and single return system
• Firm-based common licenses with 5-year validity
• Transition of the role of Inspector to Inspector-cum-Facilitator

These reforms significantly enhance ease of doing business and reduce compliance burdens for employers.

Incentivizing Employment through the ELI Scheme

The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, aims to create jobs, promote formalization, and enhance employability. This initiative is a testament to the government’s focus on inclusive growth.

International Recognition

The ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26 has acknowledged India’s success in doubling social protection coverage, reinforcing its commitment to welfare and global benchmarks.

International Labour Affairs

India doubled its social protection coverage estimate according to ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26. The Targeted Public Distribution System is one of the world’s largest food security schemes, aiding 800 million people.
India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to enhance bilateral cooperation in Employment and Labour.
Under G20, India collaborates with ILO and OECD on global skills gap mapping and international mobility initiatives.
A webinar on “Employment Opportunities for Youth in International Organisations” attracted over 1,100 students from top Delhi/NCR institutions.
A technical seminar on “Formalization and Social Security Coverage for Workers in Informal Sectors” is scheduled for January 2025, involving 32 Asia-Pacific countries and multilateral organizations.
In February 2025, India will host a regional event on “Responsible Business for Inclusive and Sustainable Societies” under the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
Efforts are being made to promote skilled mobility to European Union countries through streamlined visa processes and mutual recognition of qualifications.
India actively participated in international forums like ILO, BRICS, and G20, addressing crucial labour issues such as living wages, decent work, and skilling for the future.
Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
EPFO’s Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS) will enable pensioners to access their pensions from any bank in India starting January 2025.
Amendments to EPF Scheme, 1952 allow interest payments up to the date of settlement, benefiting millions of members.
EPFO Amnesty Scheme 2024 encourages employers to rectify past non-compliance without penalties.
Auto claim settlement limits for partial withdrawals increased from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000, aiding 7.5 crore members.
Enhanced Assurance Benefits through EDLI provide up to ₹7 lakh life cover to over 6 crore members.
EPFO approved a policy mandating higher returns and reinvestment strategies under the ETF Redemption Policy.
Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
The Prime Minister inaugurated projects worth ₹3,921 crores under ESIC.
In-principle approval for 10 new ESIC Medical Colleges in states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Assam, and more.
ESIC is converging with Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY to benefit over 14.43 crore beneficiaries at 30,000 empanelled hospitals.
Relaxed norms for setting up dispensaries in North-Eastern states to fulfill the Act East Policy.
Gig and Platform Worker Welfare
A framework for social security coverage is being developed for gig and platform workers through consultations and collaborative studies with ILO.
The Ministry constituted a dedicated committee to create a roadmap for implementing a social security scheme for gig workers.
Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme
The ELI Scheme incentivizes job creation and formalization, targeting around 4.1 crore youth with a total outlay of ₹2,00,000 crores over five years.
Part A provides one-month wages to first-time formal sector employees.
Part B reimburses EPFO contributions for employees and employers in the manufacturing sector.
Part C supports employers by reimbursing contributions for additional employees above the threshold salary.
The Narendra Modi government has taken remarkable steps towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. These initiatives reflect its commitment to social security, employment generation, and inclusive development, setting the foundation for a prosperous India by 2047.

The Modi government’s unwavering focus on labor welfare, social security, and employment generation is steering India toward becoming a developed nation. These programs not only uplift millions of workers but also align with the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by fostering equitable and inclusive growth.
© 2024 Vision Viksit Bharat Blog

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The Need for Empowerment at the Grassroots

India’s path to becoming a developed nation by 2047 hinges on the ability of its local governance bodies, particularly Panchayati Raj Institutions, to effectively implement policies and programs that address the diverse needs of rural India. For decades, PRIs have played a crucial role in local development, but their full potential has often been stymied by inadequate capacity, knowledge gaps, and limited access to modern governance tools.

The ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative recognizes that meaningful governance reforms must start from the grassroots to bring about long-lasting and impactful change. The initiative seeks to fill capacity gaps within Panchayati Raj Institutions by offering training programs, building knowledge, and enhancing the governance skills of local leaders. By empowering elected representatives with the right tools, the initiative aims to improve service delivery, ensure participatory planning, and enhance the overall quality of governance in rural areas.

Key Features of the Initiative

The core focus of the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative is capacity-building for Panchayati Raj representatives and officials. Here’s how the initiative will help in realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat:

• Digital Learning Platforms and AI Integration: The initiative employs e-learning platforms, AI-powered chatbots, and mobile applications to bridge knowledge gaps and provide continuous, on-demand learning opportunities for PRI members. These digital tools ensure that even remote panchayats have access to modern governance knowledge, best practices, and resources. By leveraging technology, the initiative creates scalable models of training that can reach every corner of rural India.
• Enhanced Governance through Participatory Planning: The ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative focuses on making governance more participatory. It provides PRI representatives with the skills needed to engage citizens effectively, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure that the needs of local communities are reflected in governance actions. This participatory approach is essential for ensuring that policies are locally relevant and can drive sustainable development in rural areas.
• Empowering Rural India with Knowledge: By enhancing the knowledge base of PRI members, the initiative will help them become better equipped to address critical issues such as health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. This empowerment enables panchayats to address local challenges more effectively, thus driving positive changes in rural communities.
• A Model for Decentralized Governance: The ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative embodies the government’s broader mission to decentralize governance. By building the capacity of local representatives, it strengthens the decision-making power of PRIs, reducing the reliance on state or central authorities. This decentralization fosters self-reliance in rural communities, enabling them to take charge of their development journey and implement solutions that are tailored to their unique needs.

Contribution to Viksit Bharat

The vision of Viksit Bharat is centered on building an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable nation. Achieving this vision requires strong foundations at the grassroots level, where the true challenges of development are most acutely felt. The ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative plays a crucial role in this vision by ensuring that Panchayati Raj Institutions are not only functional but are also equipped to drive progress across rural India.

• Driving Inclusive Development: Through the capacity-building programs of ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’, panchayats will be better equipped to design and implement policies that promote inclusive development. By ensuring that local leaders have the skills to manage resources, run effective governance systems, and engage citizens in decision-making, the initiative will contribute to narrowing the development gap between rural and urban India.
• Sustainable Development through Local Innovation: The initiative will empower local leaders to identify and implement sustainable solutions that are specific to their communities. For example, in the field of agriculture, PRI members can learn and apply precision farming techniques, thereby improving productivity while ensuring sustainability. In healthcare, they can adopt innovative digital health solutions to extend medical services to remote areas. These localized innovations, driven by empowered Panchayati Raj Institutions, will contribute to the long-term sustainability of rural development.
• Fostering a Future-Ready India: The training programs under the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative are designed not just for today but for the future. By providing PRI members with tools to think innovatively and plan effectively, the initiative is preparing rural India for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Whether it is in the field of climate change, digital technology, or global trade, the capacity-building efforts will help create a generation of local leaders who are ready to address the evolving needs of a rapidly changing world.

Impact on Governance and Rural India

By focusing on strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions, the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative will play an instrumental role in transforming governance in rural India. The tools and knowledge imparted to PRI representatives will not only improve the functioning of panchayats but will also empower them to take ownership of development projects and create an environment of transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, the initiative’s emphasis on technology and digital tools ensures that rural India is not left behind in the digital revolution. By bringing digital literacy and technological solutions to the doorsteps of rural communities, the initiative fosters an environment where the benefits of technology are accessible to all, bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

A Step Toward a Viksit Bharat

The ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative is a critical step in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat. By empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions, enhancing the skills of local leaders, and fostering a culture of participatory governance, the initiative lays the foundation for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable India. As PRIs become more capable and citizen-driven, they will become key drivers of India’s development, playing an essential role in achieving the vision of a developed, self-reliant, and progressive nation by 2047.

In this journey, the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative will help pave the way for a future where local governance is not just a function of administrative processes but a powerful engine of growth and empowerment for all of India’s citizens. Through such initiatives, India can truly transform its grassroots governance into a model for the world, contributing significantly to its overall development.

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बीते दिनों मोदी सरकार की यूनियन कैबिनेट ने मिशन मोड में सात बड़े फैसले लिए हैं, जिसमें 14000 करोड़ रुपये कृषि क्षेत्र में निवेश के लिए स्वीकृत किए गए हैं। इसमें सबसे महत्वपूर्ण है कृषि आधारित डिजिटल पब्लिक इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर, जिसे किसानों के लिए लाया जा रहा है। यह कृषि और उससे संबंधित क्षेत्रों के लिए स्वीकृत किया गया है। इसके अंतर्गत किसानों को किसान आईडी भी दी जाएगी।

इन योजनाओं का विशेष ध्यान शोध और नवाचार, पर्यावरण संगरोध (क्लाइमेट रेसिलियंस), प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के प्रबंधन, और कृषि क्षेत्र के डिजिटाइजेशन पर होगा। इसके अलावा, लाइवस्टॉक और बागवानी को भी इससे विशेष मदद मिलेगी।

देश में कृषि का सकल घरेलु उत्पाद में योगदान 15 प्रतिशत है लेकिन भारत में आज भी 65 प्रतिशत लोग कृषि से जुड़े हुए हैं और सरकार की अहम् चिंता यही है की कृषि पर जलवायु परिवर्तन से देश की 65 प्रतिशत आबादी पर गंभीर प्रभाव पड़ेगा।

इसलिए मोदी सरकार द्वारा लिए गए निर्णयों का मुख्य उद्देश्य किसानों को पर्यावरण संगरोध (क्लाइमेट-रेसिस्टेंट) के लिए तैयार करना है, क्योंकि जलवायु परिवर्तन विश्व की एक बड़ी समस्या बन चुका है और भारत में एक क्लाइमेट इमरजेंसी जैसी स्थितियां कहीं कहीं दिखना भी शुरू हो चूका है। अगर अचानक बारिश होती है या तापमान बढ़ता है, तो किसान अपनी फसल कैसे बचा पाएंगे, यह सीखना बहुत जरूरी हो गया है। इन योजनाओं के क्रियान्वयन से सरकार भी सटीकता से हर किसान को बेहतर ढंग से मदद कर सकेगी।

कृषि कल्याण की सात नई योजनाएँ:

पहली योजना है डिजिटल एग्रीकल्चर मिशन और इसके लिए 2817 करोड़ रुपये का आवंटन किया गया है। इसका उद्देश्य किसानों के जीवन को डिजिटल तकनीक के माध्यम से आसान बनाना है।

दूसरा क्रॉप साइंस फॉर फूड एंड न्यूट्रिशनल सिक्योरिटी है जिसके तहत 3979 करोड़ रुपये की योजना बनाई गई है, जो कृषि विज्ञान और खाद्य सुरक्षा पर केंद्रित है।

तीसरा है एग्रीकल्चरल एजुकेशन एंड मैनेजमेंट जिसके लिए 2300 करोड़ रुपये आवंटित किए गए हैं, जिससे कृषि शिक्षा और सामाजिक विज्ञान में मजबूती आएगी।

चौथी योजना है सस्टेनेबल लाइवस्टॉक हेल्थ एंड प्रोडक्शन जो 1702 करोड़ रुपये की योजना इस क्षेत्र के लिए बनाई गई है। इसके द्वारा कृषि क्षेत्र में पशुधन और उनके उत्पादों के गुणवत्ता और उत्पाद को बढ़ावा देने की बात की गई है।

पांचवी योजना है सस्टेनेबल डेवलपमेंट ऑफ हॉर्टिकल्चर और इसके तहत 860 करोड़ रुपये का फंडिंग किया गया है जो बागवानी क्षेत्र में व्यापक परिवर्तन लाने हेतु सहयोग करेगा। छठवीं योजना के अंतर्गत कृषि विज्ञान केन्द्रों को अधिक मजबूत करने के लिए 1202 करोड़ रुपये खर्च किए जाएंगे। सातवीं योजना है नैचुरल रिसोर्स मैनेजमेंट जिसके लिए भी 1115 करोड़ रुपये का आवंटन किया गया है।

डिजिटल एग्रीकल्चर मिशन:

डिजिटल एग्रीकल्चर मिशन की सबसे बड़ी विशेषता यह है कि इसके तहत सरकार डिजिटल पब्लिक इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर (DPI) का निर्माण करना चाहती है। यह डिजिटल इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर कृषि क्षेत्र के लिए बनाया जाएगा, जिसमें किसानों को विभिन्न सुविधाएँ डिजिटल रूप से प्राप्त होंगी। आधार की तरह ही हर किसान को एक फार्मर आईडी दी जाएगी, जिसमें उसकी भूमि, फसल, और स्कीम्स का विवरण होगा। यह डेटा देश भर में लागू किया जाएगा, और इसे अगले कुछ वर्षों में पूरा करने की योजना है।

मिशन पर कुल 2817 करोड़ रुपये खर्च किए जाएँगे, जिसमें से केंद्र सरकार 1940 करोड़ रुपये वहन करेगी, और बाकी राज्य एवं केंद्र शासित प्रदेश इसका हिस्सा होंगी। इस मिशन के अंतर्गत डिजिटल पब्लिक इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर बनाने का उद्देश्य यह है कि सभी किसान इससे लाभान्वित हों। अगले दो सालों में (2025-26) यह योजना पूरे देश में लागू की जाएगी। इससे किसानों की उत्पादकता और निर्णय लेने की क्षमता में सुधार होगा।

इस मिशन को लाने की योजना सरकार ने 2021-22 में ही बनाई थी, लेकिन कोविड-19 महामारी के कारण इसे लागू नहीं किया जा सका। हालांकि, 2023-24 और 2024-25 के बजट में वित्त मंत्री निर्मला सीतारमन ने इस मिशन को पुनः शुरू करने की घोषणा की, जिसमें राज्यों के साथ मिलकर इसे राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर लागू करने का संकल्प लिया गया।

डिजिटल एग्रीकल्चर मिशन का उद्देश्य और संरचना:

इस मिशन का मुख्य उद्देश्य कृषि क्षेत्र में डिजिटल पब्लिक इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर (DPI) का निर्माण करना है, जिसमें सभी किसानों की जमीन और खेती से जुड़ी जानकारी को डिजिटल रूप से संगृहीत किया जाएगा। इसका सबसे प्रमुख कंपोनेंट एग्री स्टैक है, जो कि तीन हिस्सों में विभाजित है:

1. किसान रजिस्ट्री: आधार की तरह, हर किसान को एक डिजिटल पहचान यानी किसान आईडी दी जाएगी। इसमें किसान की जमीन, उसका पशुधन, कौन-कौन सी फसलें वह उगाता है, और कौन-कौन सी सरकारी योजनाओं का लाभ उसने उठाया है, जैसी जानकारी शामिल होगी। इस प्रणाली के तहत, अब तक छह जिलों में पायलट प्रोजेक्ट शुरू हो चुका है, जिसमें उत्तर प्रदेश के फर्रुखाबाद और गुजरात के गांधीनगर शामिल हैं। सरकार का लक्ष्य है कि 2024-25 तक 6 करोड़ किसानों की डिजिटल आईडी बन जाए और 2026-27 तक यह संख्या 11 करोड़ तक पहुंच जाए। इसके लिए 5000करोड़ का बजट मोदी सरकार द्वारा गत माह जारी किया जा चूका है
2. फ़सल बुआई रजिस्ट्री: यह किसानों की बुआई की फसलों का डेटाबेस तैयार करने के लिए हर सीजन में मोबाइल आधारित सर्वेक्षण करेगा। यह सर्वेक्षण पायलट प्रोजेक्ट के रूप में 11 राज्यों में हो चुका है और अगले दो सालों में 400 जिलों को कवर करने का लक्ष्य है और 2025-26 तक सम्पूर्ण भारत में इसे पूर्ण कर लिया जायेगा
3. जियो रेफरेंस ग्रामीण नक़्शे: यह योजना भूमि के भौगोलिक डेटा को फिजिकल लोकेशन से जोड़ने का काम करेगी,  ताकि किसानों की जमीन और उसकी स्थिति को लेकर सटीक जानकारी प्राप्त की जा सके।

कृषि निर्णय सहायता तंत्र (डिसीजन सपोर्ट सिस्टम):

इसका मतलब है कृषि डिसीजन सपोर्ट सिस्टम, जिसके तहत एक भौगोलिक सटीकता का विशेष सिस्टम बनाया जाएगा और इसमें भूमि अभिलेख,  फ़सल की जानकारी, मिट्टी की जानकारी, मौसम की जानकारी और जल संसाधनों को सटीकता से एकत्रित किया जाएगा। इसका उद्देश्य यह है कि सरकार को देश भर में विभिन्न फसलों की जानकारी मिल सके और प्राकृतिक आपदाओं से होने वाले नुकसान का अंदाजा लगाया जा सके। इससे किसानों को इंश्योरेंस क्लेम प्राप्त करने में भी मदद मिलेगी।

सोइल प्रोफाइल मैप  के तहत देश भर में मिट्टी की गुणवत्ता का विस्तृत सर्वे किया जाएगा। इसका मुख्य उद्देश्य यह समझना है कि मिट्टी की क्षमता क्या है और उसे बेहतर कैसे बनाया जा सकता है। इसके तहत 142 मिलियन हेक्टेयर कृषि भूमि का सर्वेक्षण किया जा रहा है, जिसमें से 29 मिलियन हेक्टेयर भूमि का सर्वेक्षण पहले ही पूरा हो चुका है। इस मिशन का एक और महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा है डिजिटल जनरल क्रॉप एस्टिमेशन सर्वे, जिसके माध्यम से यह अनुमान लगाया जाएगा कि देश में कितना अनाज उत्पादन हो रहा है। इससे सरकार को सटीक जानकारी मिलेगी और वह उचित योजनाएँ बना सकेगी।

डिजिटल एग्रीकल्चर मिशन कृषि क्षेत्र में एक क्रांतिकारी बदलाव लाने की तैयारी कर रहा है। इसके तहत किसानों की पहचान, उनकी फसलें, भूमि और अन्य जानकारी डिजिटल रूप से सुरक्षित की जाएगी। यह मिशन न केवल किसानों की उत्पादकता और आय को बढ़ाएगा, बल्कि उन्हें जलवायु परिवर्तन और अन्य चुनौतियों का सामना करने में सक्षम बनाएगा।

जलवायु परिवर्तन रोधी कृषि पर सरकार के प्रभावी कदम:

मोदी सरकार तात्कालिक कृषि लक्ष्यों के साथ भारतीय कृषि को अगले 100 वर्षों के लिए जलवायु परिवर्तन से निपटने के लिए तैयार कर रही है। NICRA भारत सरकार की एक परियोजना है जो कृषि में जलवायु परिवर्तन से निपटने के लिए कार्य करती है और इसके चार घटक हैं जो इन पैरामीटर पर आधारित हैं: अनुसंधान, तकनीकी प्रदर्शन, क्षमता निर्माण, और प्रतिस्पर्धा प्रायोजित अनुसंधान। संस्था कई वर्षों के स्थानीय जलवायु परिवर्तनों का सिमुलेशन और इसके जलवायु परिवर्तनों  को अवशोषित करने की क्षमता का आकलन करते हैं। इन सिमुलेशन को तीन समयावधियों में विभाजित करते हैं। पहला, Near Century, 2030 के दशक में बदलाव को देखता है। Mid-Century 2050 के दशक में जलवायु परिवर्तनों पर ध्यान केंद्रित करता है और End Century 2100 के दशक में बदलाव पर केंद्रित है। संस्था फसल की उपज में बदलाव और कृषि परम्पराओं या प्रौद्योगिकी-आधारित हस्तक्षेपों को देखती है।

भारत के अबतक लगभग 650 कृषि जिलों की पहचान की गई है और प्रत्येक जिले की रिस्क प्रोफ़ाइल का मूल्यांकन करने के लिए 33 पैरामीटर्स पर ध्यान दिया और उन्हें उच्चतम से न्यूनतम रिस्क की रैंकिंग किया गया है। सड़क कनेक्टिविटी, कर्ज सुविधाएँ, सिंचाई अवसंरचना, स्थानीय जलवायु, और किसानों की सामाजिक-आर्थिक स्थिति जैसे पैरामीटर्स का उपयोग किया जा रहा है। अगले कुछ दशकों के लिए जलवायु पूर्वानुमान की समीक्षा करके भी उनके रिस्क प्रोफ़ाइल का मूल्यांकन किया जाने लगेगा। यह पाया गया कि भारत के 310 जिले जलवायु परिवर्तन से नकारात्मक रूप से प्रभावित होने के हाई रिस्क में हैं। व्यावसायिकता के आधार पर, इन जिलों के 151 गांवों में एक तकनीकी प्रदर्शन परियोजना का पायलट प्रोजेक्ट किया जा रहा है।

केंद्र और राज्यों के बीच अधिक समन्वय आवश्यकता:

भारत में कृषि राज्य का विषय है और ICAR एक केंद्रीय-निधि प्राप्त संस्थान है। केन्द्रीय संस्थाएं अनुसंधान करती हैं और प्रौद्योगिकियों का विकास करते हैं, लेकिन कार्यान्वयन केंद्र के नियंत्रण से बाहर होता है। ICAR या NICRA केवल राज्य सरकारों को प्रौद्योगिकियाँ प्रस्तावित कर सकते हैं, लेकिन प्रौद्योगिकियों को बढ़ाने की जिम्मेदारी राज्यों पर होती है। सबसे अधिक हम केवल आंशिक निगरानी कर सकते हैं, जो हमारे कृषि विज्ञान केंद्रों (KVKs) के माध्यम से होती है।

भारत ने जलवायु परिवर्तन को संबोधित करने की आवश्यकता को अपेक्षाकृत देर से समझा। हालांकि, हम इन महत्वपूर्ण मुद्दों को हल करने में प्रगति कर रहे हैं। केंद्रीय सरकार का राष्ट्रीय मिशन फॉर सस्टेनेबल एग्रीकल्चर (NMSA) लाभकारी प्रौद्योगिकियों को बढ़ावा देने की दिशा में काम कर रहा है।

परन्तु अभी भी भारत को कृषि-प्रधान विकासशील देशों जैसे ब्राजील और चीन के समान R&D निवेश स्तर तक पहुंचने के और अधिक प्रयासों की आवश्यकता है। इसके अलावा, जलवायु-प्रतिरोधी कृषि कार्यों को लागू करने के लिए राज्यों और केंद्र के बीच अधिक सहयोग की आवश्यकता है। सबसे महत्वपूर्ण बात, हमें नीति निर्माण में एक संतुलन की आवश्यकता है, जो संक्षिप्त और दीर्घकालिक लक्ष्यों पर ध्यान केंद्रित कर सके साथ ही सभी राज्यों को और कृषि संस्थाओं को विश्वास में लेते हुए नीतियों का कार्यान्वयन करना चाहिए

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