📈 The Evolution and Challenges of Make in India

Launched in 2014 by the Government of India, the Make in India initiative aimed to transform the country into a global manufacturing hub. This ambitious program sought to boost the manufacturing sector's contribution to India's gross domestic product (GDP) from around 16% to 25% by 2022, while creating 100 million new jobs. At its core, Make in India rested on four pillars: new processes to cut red tape and ease business operations, new infrastructure to support industrial growth, new sectors opened to foreign direct investment (FDI), and a new mindset emphasizing innovation and skill development.

However, over a decade later, the results have been mixed. Data shows that manufacturing's share of GDP actually declined slightly to 15.9% in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, falling short of lofty targets. Youth unemployment remains high, hovering around record levels, and imports from China have more than doubled since the program's inception. This has fueled debates about whether Make in India has devolved into 'Assemble in India,' where components are imported—often from China—and merely put together locally rather than fully manufactured domestically.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, introduced later to complement Make in India, have shown some promise in sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals, attracting investments worth billions. Yet, critics argue that fragmented supply chains, dependence on foreign technology, and inadequate ecosystems hinder true self-reliance or Atmanirbhar Bharat.

These trends underscore the need for revitalization, setting the stage for renewed political discourse.

Rahul Gandhi's Sharp Critique of Current Policies

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has been vocal in highlighting these shortcomings. In a 2025 visit to Delhi's Nehru Place electronics market, he pointed out that smartphones labeled 'Made in India' are largely assembled from Chinese parts, questioning the depth of domestic manufacturing. Extending this narrative into 2026, Gandhi has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) poses a direct threat to India's vaunted information technology (IT) sector, which employs millions but relies on services rather than production.

Speaking to students in Tamil Nadu in January 2026, he emphasized, 'We have done well in IT and software engineering, but AI changes that. To compete with China, we must shift focus to manufacturing.' Posts found on X echo this sentiment, with Gandhi lamenting the fall of manufacturing to 12.6% of GDP—the lowest in 60 years—and calling out unfulfilled promises.

The Congress party, through its official channels, has amplified these concerns, noting India's record trade deficit with China at $116.12 billion in 2025, up from $99.21 billion the previous year. Gandhi accuses the government of inconsistent foreign policy, oscillating between the US and China while allowing massive imports in electronics and other sectors.

• Manufacturing growth stalled at far below 12-14% annual target.
• Youth joblessness persists amid slogan-heavy governance.
• Over-reliance on Chinese supply chains weakens sovereignty.

His rhetoric has drawn BJP retorts, accusing him of playing into foreign hands by referencing China's industrial prowess.

🏭 Rahul Gandhi's Vision for an Aggressive Manufacturing Agenda

Beyond criticism, Gandhi is outlining a proactive blueprint. He advocates building 'meaningful ecosystems'—integrated supply chains from raw materials to finished goods, akin to China's model. Drawing from India's rich textile heritage, where unique crafts emerge every 100 kilometers, he calls for reviving domestic cotton farming, technology independence, and farmer remuneration.

In recent addresses, Gandhi stresses production as the bedrock of democracy and jobs. Without it, he argues, political turbulence like that in Europe, India, and the US will intensify. His agenda includes affordable, quality public education to skill youth for manufacturing, countering privatization's excesses.

Key proposals include:

• Targeted incentives for full manufacturing, not just assembly.
• Reducing trade deficits through domestic alternatives to Chinese imports.
• Investing in AI-resilient sectors like advanced manufacturing and renewables.

This vision positions manufacturing as essential for competing globally, especially against China's dominance.

Photo by Nino Steffen on Unsplash

🌍 Pitching the Agenda Abroad: Attracting Global Investments

The topic's core—Rahul Gandhi pitching this agenda abroad—reflects a strategic outreach to the Indian diaspora and international investors. While specific 2026 tours aren't detailed in recent reports, his consistent messaging on platforms like X targets non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the US, UK, and Europe. By framing India as needing partners for ecosystem-building, he appeals to those disillusioned with 'Assemble in India.'

For instance, highlighting Gujarat's failed projects—like a 33,000 crore rupee debacle in 2017—Gandhi urges abroad audiences to demand accountability and invest in genuine opportunities. This pitch aligns with global shifts: as US-China tensions rise, India emerges as an alternative hub. Gandhi's narrative invites FDI in textiles, electronics, and green manufacturing, promising policy stability under a production-focused government.

Analysts note this could leverage India's demographic dividend—over 600 million under 25—trained via universities. Institutions offering programs in supply chain management and industrial engineering are pivotal, creating demand for faculty and researchers. Explore higher education jobs in faculty positions to contribute to this skill revolution.

A government portal outlines investment avenues, but Gandhi pushes for bolder reforms.

💼 Economic Impacts and Job Creation Potential

An aggressive manufacturing push could reshape India's economy. Revitalizing Make in India might add trillions to GDP, curb the China trade gap, and generate millions of jobs. Sectors like textiles, where India holds cultural edge, could export $100 billion annually if ecosystems solidify.

Challenges persist: infrastructure gaps, skill mismatches, and policy flip-flops. Solutions lie in public-private partnerships, vocational training, and R&D incentives. For youth, this means upskilling in robotics, AI-integrated manufacturing, and sustainable practices.

Universities play a crucial role, with programs in manufacturing engineering fostering innovation. Aspiring educators can find lecturer jobs to shape future workers. Data from 2026 shows enrollment surges in technical courses, signaling readiness.

🔬 Linking Manufacturing to Higher Education and Research

India's manufacturing renaissance demands a skilled workforce, spotlighting higher education. Universities must pivot curricula toward practical manufacturing, research in materials science, and industry collaborations. This creates opportunities in research jobs and postdoc positions, where academics develop technologies for self-reliant production.

Gandhi's emphasis on education affordability resonates here—blending public institutions with private innovation. Programs like those at IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) exemplify this, training engineers for global competition. For professionals, career advice on academic CVs can unlock roles in this booming field.

Abroad pitches also woo talent back, with NRIs in Ivy League networks potentially leading joint ventures.

Photo by Piero Regnante on Unsplash

⚖️ Political Reactions and Path Forward

The BJP counters Gandhi's pitch, defending Make in India successes like mobile production jumps from 60 million to 330 million units annually. Yet, consensus grows on needing deeper reforms. As 2026 unfolds, with trade deficits ballooning, an aggressive agenda could unify stakeholders.

Actionable steps for businesses: scout PLI-eligible sectors, partner locally. For individuals: pursue manufacturing-related degrees, leveraging scholarships. A Hindu report details ecosystem needs.

• Strengthen domestic R&D for tech independence.
• Negotiate fair trade deals abroad.
• Invest in green manufacturing for sustainability.

📝 Summary: Opportunities in India's Manufacturing Shift

Rahul Gandhi's abroad pitches signal a pivotal moment for Make in India. By addressing critiques head-on, India can forge a robust manufacturing future, boosting jobs and sovereignty. Stay informed on career paths via Rate My Professor for top educators in economics, explore higher ed jobs, university jobs, and higher ed career advice. Share your views in the comments, check professor salaries, or post openings at recruitment to join this transformation.