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Rahul Gandhi's recent address to the Lok Sabha delivered a scathing critique of the Narendra Modi government's 'Make in India' initiative, characterizing it as a well-intentioned yet ultimately unsuccessful endeavor. His central argument revolved around India's substantial dependence on China for manufacturing components, creating vulnerabilities in both the economic and national security spheres. Gandhi presented statistical evidence, highlighting a decline in India's manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP from 15.3% in 2014 to 12.6% presently, a figure he described as the lowest in 60 years. He acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's efforts, stating, 'I am not blaming the Prime Minister, it would not be fair to say that he did not try. I could say that the Prime Minister tried, but he failed.' This nuanced criticism avoided outright condemnation, yet firmly positioned the 'Make in India' initiative as a failure.
The crux of Gandhi's argument lay in the assertion that India's manufacturing sector, despite appearances, is significantly reliant on Chinese imports. He used the example of a mobile phone, stating that while it may be assembled in India, its components are overwhelmingly sourced from China. This, he argued, represents a significant economic drain, amounting to a 'tax' paid to China. This reliance extends beyond consumer goods to the crucial domain of national security. Gandhi expressed grave concern over India's dependence on Chinese-manufactured electric motors, batteries, and optics within its defense sector, painting a stark picture of potential vulnerabilities should a conflict with China arise. He explicitly warned, 'If and when we fight a war with China, we will be fighting with Chinese electric motors, Chinese batteries, and Chinese optics, and we will be buying Chinese motors, Chinese optics, and Chinese batteries.' This statement underscores the severe implications of India's manufacturing dependence.
Gandhi’s criticism extended beyond the economic realm, directly addressing the territorial disputes with China. He cited the Indian Army Chief’s acknowledgement of Chinese occupation of Indian territory, asserting that China’s presence is directly linked to the failures of 'Make in India.' This assertion connects the economic vulnerability with a significant national security concern, suggesting a causal relationship between economic dependence and territorial aggression. He claimed that China occupies 4000 sq km of Indian territory, a claim that prompted the Lok Sabha Speaker to demand evidence. This exchange highlighted the seriousness of the accusation and the contentious nature of the debate. Gandhi's remarks on China's advancement in Artificial Intelligence (AI) further strengthened his argument, noting China's significant lead due to its control over vast amounts of production data, a resource critical for AI development. He stated that China holds a 10-year advantage over India in AI-related technologies.
Beyond the specific criticisms of 'Make in India' and the China-related issues, Gandhi broadened his critique to encompass the broader economic and social landscape of India. He criticized the concentration of economic power within India's banking system, advocating for a more open and dynamic system that fosters entrepreneurship and supports small and medium-sized businesses. He linked the economic struggles with rising social tensions within the country, arguing that a focus on production is essential to alleviate these tensions. He also touched upon the persistent issue of unemployment, acknowledging the lack of clear solutions from both the previous UPA government and the current NDA government. His critique further extended to India's foreign policy, suggesting that a strong manufacturing base and technological advancement would significantly enhance India's standing on the global stage. He contrasted India's current diplomatic approach with a hypothetical scenario where India's technological prowess would command greater respect and influence internationally.
In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi’s speech in the Lok Sabha presented a comprehensive critique of the Modi government's economic policies and their implications for India's national security. While acknowledging the government's efforts, he painted a grim picture of India's economic vulnerabilities, highlighting its dependence on China and its lagging position in critical technologies. His criticism transcended the narrow focus on 'Make in India,' extending to broader issues of economic inequality, social tension, and India's standing in the global arena. The speech serves as a significant contribution to the ongoing political debate surrounding India's economic trajectory and its relationship with China.
Source: PM Modi tried but failed with 'Make in India' project: Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha - Key quotes