The Economic Times · 14 Oct, 04:20 · Technology briefing

India eyes reduced critical tech dependence over next 20-25 years: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has outlined a strategic roadmap to significantly reduce India’s reliance on foreign technology within the next twenty to twenty-five years.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has outlined a strategic roadmap to significantly reduce India’s reliance on foreign technology within the next twenty to twenty-five years. The government intends to bolster domestic capabilities in critical sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. This long-term vision aims to strengthen national security and economic sovereignty by fostering indigenous innovation and reducing vulnerabilities associated with global supply chain dependencies. The initiative signals a major shift towards self-reliance in core technological infrastructure, encouraging local industry and academia to collaborate on developing homegrown solutions for essential digital and hardware technologies.

Employer demand for Engineering skills — indexed growth since 2019
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Your move

What this means
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This strategic pivot creates substantial opportunities for professionals specialising in core engineering and indigenous technology development. If you work in software, hardware, or systems integration, prioritise skills in semiconductor design, embedded systems, and secure software architecture. The government’s focus on self-reliance means roles in R&D and domestic manufacturing will gain prestige and investment. You should actively seek certifications in hardware engineering or cyber security to align with national priorities. Furthermore, understanding regulatory frameworks and compliance for local tech adoption will differentiate you. Do not ignore traditional engineering disciplines; they are foundational to this transition. Position yourself as an expert who can bridge the gap between theoretical innovation and practical, locally manufacturable solutions. Engage with industry groups focused on ‘Make in India’ initiatives to network and identify emerging project opportunities within this growing domestic ecosystem.

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