Rahul Gandhi Slams ‘Make in India’ Over Import Dependency
In a sharp critique of the government’s flagship manufacturing policy, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took aim at the Make in India initiative, claiming that despite all the slogans, India has become more reliant on imports and is stuck at the assembly stage of manufacturing. His comments came during a visit to Delhi’s Nehru Place electronics market, where he interacted with local shop owners and technicians.
India Assembles, But Doesn’t Build
Rahul Gandhi pointed out that India, instead of becoming a self-reliant manufacturing powerhouse, is primarily assembling imported parts.
“Make in India promised a factory boom. So why is manufacturing at record lows, youth unemployment at record highs, and why have imports from China more than doubled? The truth is stark: we assemble, we import, but we don’t build. China profits.”
He posted a video from his visit on social media, highlighting that the reality of the ground economy is far from the narrative being projected. He explained that India’s domestic ecosystem lacks the capability to build critical components and is dependent on foreign technology and supply chains.
Make in India vs Manufacturing Reality
Gandhi stressed that merely assembling mobile phones or other electronics is not manufacturing.
“Start making iPhones, it’s a completely different ball game.”
He warned that India is at risk of becoming a perpetual consumer market rather than a producer economy. He emphasized the need for India to become truly self-reliant and not remain an assembly-line partner for global brands.
Manufacturing Share and Youth Unemployment
According to Gandhi, India’s manufacturing share in GDP has actually declined since 2014, contrary to the promises made under Make in India. Youth unemployment has surged to record levels, and the industrial sector has failed to create stable, well-paying jobs. This stagnation, he said, is evidence that the initiative has not delivered tangible benefits.
PLI Scheme and Structural Issues
Rahul Gandhi also took aim at the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, stating that its effectiveness is overstated and that it is quietly being rolled back. He called for a reorientation of policy to support smaller manufacturers and grassroots innovation rather than favoring big conglomerates.
BJP Defends Progress
The BJP responded strongly, with Andhra Pradesh party vice-president Vishnu Vardhan Reddy accusing Gandhi of spreading misinformation. He countered that India is now the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and is making significant advances in defence electronics, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and solar panel manufacturing.
Reddy also asserted that the PLI scheme is growing, not shrinking, with billions in investments flowing in and new jobs being created across sectors. He suggested that it was the Congress-led UPA government that had actually deepened India’s economic dependence on China through lopsided trade deals.
