Former Chief Information Commissioner R.K. Mathur praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India campaign on Thursday, calling it a game-changer that shook up India’s stagnant defence and industrial sectors. Speaking in the “The Modi Story” series, Mathur explained how the initiative, launched by Modi on June 14, 2014, evolved from a simple slogan into a full-blown national push for self-reliance and global competitiveness.
Mathur pointed out the big shifts in the defence industry. For years, ordnance factories operated with outdated methods, but under Modi’s leadership, the government corporatized 22 of them into nine public sector undertakings. Many now trade on stock exchanges and show much stronger performance, boosting India’s defence manufacturing.
The real breakthrough came in defence procurement, Mathur said. Delays were a constant headache before, but a new procedure put Indian-made products at the top of the list, followed by those built in India with foreign partners. This move tied directly into the Make in India mission, speeding up buys and supporting local innovation.
Mathur also highlighted the government’s bold step to ease foreign direct investment (FDI) in defence. The cap jumped from 26% to 51%, and now it can reach nearly 100% on a case-by-case basis. “This opened the floodgates for cutting-edge technology and created tons of jobs,” he noted, emphasizing how it fueled industrial growth in India.
Over the last 11 years, Make in India has spread its wings beyond defence. It now covers railways, electronics, space exploration, and renewable energy. The campaign sparked new industrial corridors and upgraded key infrastructure, all aimed at Atmanirbhar Bharat—India’s drive for self-reliance.
“Make in India isn’t just a program anymore; it’s a movement sparking national pride and fresh opportunities for young people,” Mathur said. He wrapped up by noting how it cements India’s spot as an emerging global powerhouse, forming the backbone of Modi’s economic and strategic vision.
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