World · India Bureau
India pursued self-reliance after feeling abandoned during pandemic: Goyal
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said India pivoted toward domestic production when international partners failed to supply critical equipment during the Covid-19 crisis. The policy shift underscored New Delhi's determination to reduce dependence on foreign sources for essential goods.
LSN India ·
India's push for self-reliance gained momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic after the country found itself unable to procure vital medical equipment and supplies from international markets, according to Union Minister Piyush Goyal.
Goyal said that New Delhi felt significantly disappointed by the response from other nations when it sought to source essential materials to combat the health emergency. The shortage of available resources from abroad prompted the government to accelerate its focus on domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The minister's remarks reflect India's broader strategic shift toward 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India, a policy initiative that gained prominence during the pandemic. By concentrating on indigenous production, the government aimed to insulate the nation from supply chain disruptions and reduce vulnerability to external dependencies.
The pandemic exposed critical gaps in India's medical equipment and pharmaceutical supply chains, forcing policymakers to reconsider the country's reliance on imports. This experience strengthened the rationale for investing in domestic manufacturing infrastructure and building resilience in sectors deemed essential to national security.
Goyal's comments underscore the government's determination to leverage India's capabilities in areas ranging from pharmaceuticals to medical devices, positioning self-sufficiency as a key component of economic strategy moving forward.