Introduction
Launched in September 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Make in India initiative was designed to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. The initiative aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, attracting foreign investment, generating employment, and reducing import dependence.
As of 2025, Make in India has significantly shaped India’s manufacturing ecosystem, leading to a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI), infrastructure development, and job creation. However, challenges like infrastructure bottlenecks, regulatory complexities, and competition from China still persist.
Objectives of Make in India
The Make in India initiative was launched with the following primary objectives:
- Increase Manufacturing’s Contribution to GDP:
- Raise the share of manufacturing from 16% to 25% of India’s GDP by 2025.
- Job Creation:
- Generate 100 million new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
- Boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
- Make India an attractive destination for global investors.
- Improve Ease of Doing Business:
- Simplify regulations, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and create a business-friendly environment.
- Self-Reliance & Import Reduction:
- Reduce dependency on foreign imports, especially from China.
Achievements of Make in India
Over the years, Make in India has achieved several milestones in attracting investment, developing industries, and boosting exports.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Growth
India has witnessed a sharp increase in FDI inflows since the launch of the initiative.
| Year | Total FDI Inflow (USD Billion) | % Growth from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 44.2 | — |
| 2016-17 | 60.2 | 36% |
| 2018-19 | 74.4 | 23% |
| 2020-21 | 81.7 | 10% |
| 2022-23 | 85.6 | 4.7% |
| 2024-25 | 89.5 (estimated) | 4.5% |
Source: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India
Key Highlights:
- India has become the fifth-largest recipient of FDI globally.
- Top contributors include Singapore, USA, UK, Japan, and UAE.
- Sectors like telecom, software, automotive, and pharmaceuticals have attracted the most FDI.
Growth in Manufacturing Sector
The manufacturing sector has seen steady growth, driven by initiatives like Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
| Year | Manufacturing GDP Contribution (%) |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 16.3% |
| 2018 | 17.9% |
| 2022 | 19.8% |
| 2025 | 21.5% (Projected) |
Sector-Wise Growth:
- Smartphone Manufacturing:
- India is now the second-largest mobile phone producer globally. Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi have expanded production facilities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Automobile Industry:
- India has become a hub for electric vehicle (EV) production, with major companies like Tata Motors, Ola Electric, and Tesla setting up manufacturing plants.
- Defense Sector
- : India has significantly reduced defense imports by manufacturing fighter jets, missiles, and warships domestically.
Infrastructure & Logistics Development
To support Make in India, the government has invested heavily in infrastructure projects:
- PM Gati Shakti Plan:
- A $1.2 trillion plan to improve transportation networks, roads, railways, and logistics.
- Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs):
- Enhancing rail freight capacity to improve industrial transportation.
- Expansion of Industrial Corridors:
- Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Bengaluru-Chennai Industrial Corridor, etc.
Challenges & Roadblocks
Despite its success, Make in India faces multiple challenges that hinder its full potential:
Dependence on Chinese Imports
- India still imports around $90 billion worth of goods from China annually, particularly in electronics, semiconductors, and raw materials.
- Solution:
- The government is promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat and PLI schemes to boost local production.
Infrastructure Bottlenecks
- Although infrastructure has improved, high logistics costs (14% of GDP) compared to China (8%) make Indian manufacturing less competitive.
- Solution: Faster implementation of Gati Shakti projects and port modernization.
Regulatory & Bureaucratic Hurdles
- Despite improvements in Ease of Doing Business, land acquisition delays and compliance issues slow down industrial projects.
- Solution:
- Further simplification of labor laws, taxation, and licensing procedures.
Skill Gap in Workforce
- Only 48% of India’s workforce is skilled, leading to productivity challenges in high-tech industries.
- Solution:
- The government has launched Skill India 2.0 to train 10 million workers annually.
Future of Make in India: Key Initiatives & Trends (2025-2030)
The government has introduced several key initiatives to boost Make in India further.
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes
- PLI incentives worth $26 billion have been launched in 14 sectors to encourage domestic manufacturing.
- Focus industries include electronics, pharma, textiles, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
Semiconductor Manufacturing
- India is investing $10 billion in semiconductor fabrication plants (chip-making).
- Foxconn and Tata Electronics have announced new semiconductor manufacturing units.
Renewable Energy & Green Manufacturing
- India aims to become carbon neutral by 2070, and manufacturing must align with sustainable energy goals.
- Investments in solar energy, hydrogen fuel, and electric mobility will boost the green manufacturing sector.
Defense Indigenization & Export Growth
- The goal is to export $5 billion worth of defense equipment by 2027.
- India has successfully exported fighter jets, missiles, and warships to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Gulf countries.
Conclusion
The Make in India initiative has been a mixed success—while it has boosted FDI, manufacturing, and employment, challenges like infrastructure gaps, bureaucracy, and Chinese import dependence remain.
Final Thoughts:
- Achievements
- FDI inflows at record levels.
- India emerging as a global smartphone & EV manufacturing hub.
- Strong growth in defense & renewable energy sectors.
- Challenges
- Infrastructure and logistics costs remain high.
- Bureaucratic hurdles still slow down investments.
- Dependence on foreign technology & semiconductors.
- Future Outlook (2025-2030)
- Strengthening PLI Schemes.
- Expanding semiconductor & AI industries.
- Investing in high-tech & renewable energy sectors.
With the right policies, infrastructure, and global collaborations, India has the potential to overtake China as the world’s next manufacturing powerhouse.
