Nirmala Sitharaman Outlines Data-Driven Roadmap for Atmanirbhar Bharat

At the 12th SBI Banking and Economics Conclave, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a comprehensive vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat, clarifying that self-reliance is not about isolation but resilient interdependence. She stressed that India will continue to strengthen domestic capabilities while remaining deeply connected to global value chains. Despite global supply chain fragilities and climate transition pressures, she emphasised coordinated efforts across government, industries, and citizens to ensure sustained economic progress.

Sitharaman highlighted major strides in economic, social, and technological empowerment. Capital expenditure has surged significantly in the past decade, while infrastructure expansion has boosted port capacity, metro connectivity, and logistical efficiency. Social development has advanced with affordable housing, tap-water access, digital financial inclusion, and rising education and healthcare infrastructure. India is also becoming a technology leader—now a net exporter of mobile phones—fueled by innovation in electronics, drones, and space sectors, alongside drastically reduced data costs.

Strategic resilience and clean energy growth form additional pillars of the roadmap. Defence production and record defence exports have strengthened national security and global humanitarian capabilities. On sustainability, India has achieved its non-fossil electricity capacity target years ahead of schedule while leading global green energy initiatives. Reaffirming the government’s focus on reforms and fiscal prudence, Sitharaman called for continued collaboration to secure India’s long-term economic stability and global competitiveness.

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