India’s quiet strategy for turbulent times: Bide the time, build the strength

India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat aims to make the country self‑reliant — producing big and small goods domestically, including defence equipment — to transform India into a global power. Domestic manufacturing, strengthened supply‑chains and indigenous design are central to this vision. Recent reforms have boosted India’s defence‑industrial output, driven private‑sector involvement, and enabled the nation to reduce reliance on foreign imports. But to truly become a superpower, India needs more: original thinking, long‑term commitment, robust R&D and innovation, deeper industrial integration, and strategic self‑reliance across sectors.