Abstract
The structure of global production has undergone significant transformation with the emergence of Global Value Chains (GVCs). Instead of producing goods entirely within national borders, production processes are fragmented across multiple countries where each stage of production is located in the most efficient region. In this evolving global economic landscape, India has launched several policy initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat to strengthen its manufacturing sector and enhance its participation in global value chains. These initiatives aim to increase domestic manufacturing capacity, attract foreign direct investment, promote innovation, and improve competitiveness in international markets. The Make in India initiative, launched in 2014, focuses on transforming India into a global manufacturing hub by encouraging investment in key sectors such as electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and defense manufacturing. Similarly, the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan introduced in 2020 emphasizes self-reliance, technological capability, and domestic value addition while maintaining integration with global markets. These policies are closely linked to India’s industrial policy framework, which includes production-linked incentives (PLI), infrastructure development, trade reforms, and logistics improvements. However, India’s deeper integration into GVCs faces challenges such as infrastructural bottlenecks, regulatory complexities, skill gaps, and dependence on imported intermediate goods. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated industrial strategies, technological upgrading, and improved institutional frameworks. This article examines the relationship between Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s industrial policy within the GVC framework. It analyses policy initiatives, sectoral opportunities, and structural challenges while highlighting the role of innovation, digitalization, and investment in strengthening India’s position in global production networks. The study concludes that a balanced approach combining self-reliance and global integration is essential for sustainable economic growth and for positioning India as a major participant in global value chains.
Keywords: Global Value Chains, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Industrial Policy, Manufacturing Competitiveness
