CHANGING GLOBAL EQUATIONS AND INDIA’S CHALLENGE
The global political and economic landscape is shifting
rapidly. Over the past few years, nations have become more powerful while
international organizations are losing influence. In this environment, economic
nationalism has gained ground, with countries prioritizing their own economic
interests over collective global welfare.
The Post-Covid world has only strengthened this trend.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on nearly 60 countries — including
India — highlighted the “weaponization of tariffs,” pushing global trade into
new forms of conflict. In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi championed the
slogans of “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat
(Self-Reliant India)”, while setting an ambitious target to transform India
into a developed nation by 2047 and a $5 trillion economy in the coming
years.
But one crucial factor remains under-Addressed : RESEARCH
& DEVELOPMENT (R&D).
INDIA’S R&D SPENDING : A WEAK LINK
A comparison of global R&D expenditure as a Percentage
of GDP shows India lagging far behind
·
Israel
– 4.8%
·
South
Korea – 4.5%
·
Japan
– 3.5%
·
USA
– 3.5%
·
Switzerland
– 3.4%
·
Sweden
– 3.2%
·
Germany
– 3.1%
·
India
– 0.8%
While the world’s leading economies invest heavily in
innovation, India’s expenditure has stagnated at just 0.8% of GDP for the past
decade. In per-capita terms, India’s R&D spending is a mere $43, compared
to thousands of dollars in developed countries.
FROM “JAI JAWAN, JAI KISAN” TO “JAI ANUSANDHAN”
Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri inspired the
nation with the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”. Prime Minister Modi has extended
it further with “Jai Anusandhan” (Hail Research) - a call to prioritize innovation.
To achieve industrial growth and the $5 trillion economy
dream, India must raise its R&D spending to at least 3% of GDP. But this
cannot be done by the government alone - the private sector’s active role is
essential.
THE CURRENT STRUCTURE OF R&D IN INDIA
At present, almost 50% of India’s R&D funding comes from
the central government. However, the majority of this funding is concentrated
in government-controlled institutions such as:
1. DRDO (Defence Research & Development
Organisation)
2. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
3. ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
4. Department of Atomic Energy
This focus has produced remarkable results in defence,
space, agriculture, and nuclear technology. However, it leaves little room for
universities and private industries to collaborate and innovate.
For India’s talent pool to truly contribute, academic institutions
must align with industry needs. When universities conduct industry-relevant
research, private companies will naturally invest, creating a robust ecosystem
that generates jobs, patents, and innovation-driven growth.
THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF INDIA’S YOUNG MINDS
Despite low R&D spending, India has no shortage of
intellectual power
India ranks high in PhD graduates, research publications,
and patents.
Patent applications from India have grown significantly,
contributing more than 50% of filings in recent years.
Many Indian innovators, however, leave for Europe and the
U.S. due to better research opportunities abroad.
This brain drain is one of the biggest challenges. The irony
is clear: India produces brilliant talent, but without a strong research
ecosystem, that potential benefits other nations.
WHY BOOSTING R&D MATTERS FOR SELF-RELIANCE
1. If India strengthens its R&D ecosystem, the nation can:
2. Achieve the $5 trillion economy goal faster.
3. Generate more employment opportunities for young graduates.
4. Reduce dependency on foreign technologies.
5. Encourage innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
6. Position India as a global leader in science and technology.
Self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) will not come from slogans
alone — it requires substantial investment in research and innovation.
SUMMARY : WHEN WILL YOUNG TALENT BENEFIT THE NATION?
India is a land of talent, ideas, and ambition. But until
research and development become a national priority — backed by government
funding, private sector participation, and strong university-industry
partnerships — the nation’s young talent will continue to seek opportunities
abroad.
If India truly wishes to become a global superpower and a
developed nation by 2047, the path lies through Jai Anusandhan —
Innovation and R&D.
Keywords, India R&D spending, Atmanirbhar Bharat innovation, Jai Anusandhan Modi, India $5 trillion economy, Brain drain India, Research and development India, Self-reliant India growth, Indian research ecosystem, innovation in India, R&D expenditure, private sector R&D
