Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Q4. “Strategic autonomy in the economy today depends as much on supply-chain integration as on domestic self-reliance”. Discuss. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
India’s evolving understanding of strategic autonomy in an era of supply-chain disruptions, geopolitical rivalry and re-globalisation, making it central to contemporary.Key Demand of the question
The question demands a discussion on the dual foundations of strategic autonomy through supply-chain integration and domestic self-reliance, followed by an analysis of the challenges involved and the way forward.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly define strategic autonomy as the capacity to pursue national economic interests independently in a globally interconnected economy.Body
- Examine how supply-chain integration enhances economic resilience, competitiveness and strategic leverage.
- Explain how domestic self-reliance strengthens core capacities and reduces critical vulnerabilities.
- Analyse the structural, geopolitical and policy challenges in balancing integration with self-reliance.
- Suggest a calibrated way forward combining selective openness with domestic capability-building.
Conclusion
Conclude by reaffirming strategic autonomy as a balance of openness and resilience rather than economic isolation.
