12 Years of Make in India: Achievements, Impact, and the Road Ahead

Make in India celebrated its 12th anniversary in 2024, confirming twelve years of policy‑driven manufacturing growth. The initiative has attracted over $150 billion in cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) and created more than 12 million jobs across 30 sectors.

What is Make in India and why does it matter?

Make in India is a government‑launched program introduced in September 2014 to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. By simplifying regulations, offering fiscal incentives, and promoting skill development, the scheme aims to boost the share of manufacturing in GDP from 16% (2014) to 25% by 2025.

How did the program start?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the initiative during the inaugural “Make in India” summit in New Delhi. The first action steps included the creation of a single‑window clearance system, the revision of the Labour Code, and the launch of sector‑specific roadmaps for electronics, automotive, textiles, and defence.

What milestones were achieved in the first 12 years?

Key performance indicators show steady progress across investment, production, and exports. Below is a concise summary of the most notable achievements.

These figures are sourced from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) annual reports.

Which sectors attracted the most investment?

• Electronics and mobile manufacturing – $45 bn
• Automotive – $30 bn
• Pharmaceuticals – $22 bn
• Renewable energy equipment – $18 bn
• Defence manufacturing – $15 bn

How has Make in India impacted exports?

Export data from the Ministry of Commerce shows a 28% rise in manufactured goods exports between 2014‑15 and 2023‑24, reaching $115 billion in FY 2023‑24. The top export categories were electronics (US$ 28 bn), automotive components (US$ 22 bn), and medical devices (US$ 12 bn).

What role did special economic zones (SEZs) play?

Over 50 SEZs were operational by 2024, contributing roughly 12% of total manufacturing output. The Gujarat and Tamil Nadu SEZs reported the highest productivity, with an average of 2,800 units produced per hectare per year.

What challenges remain after 12 years?

Despite notable progress, three systemic issues continue to limit the program’s full potential.

Infrastructure gaps

India’s logistics cost remains at 14% of GDP—double the OECD average—largely due to inadequate road connectivity and port capacity. The government pledged $100 bn for highways and inland waterways by 2027, but only 40% of the target has been funded.

Skill shortages

The National Skill Development Corporation estimates a deficit of 90 million skilled workers in manufacturing by 2025. Apprenticeship programs launched under Make in India have enrolled 2.5 million trainees, yet retention rates hover around 55%.

Regulatory consistency

While the single‑window clearance reduced approval time from 12 months to 30 days on average, state‑level policy variations still cause delays. Ongoing negotiations aim to harmonise tax incentives across all 28 states.

What are the next steps for Make in India?

Looking ahead, the government’s 2025‑2030 roadmap focuses on three pillars: digital manufacturing, green production, and inclusive growth.

• Digital manufacturing: Integration of Industry 4.0 standards in 10,000 factories by 2027.
• Green production: Incentives for carbon‑neutral plants, targeting a 30% reduction in manufacturing‑related emissions.
• Inclusive growth: Expansion of MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) financing, aiming to increase MSME contribution to total manufacturing output from 18% to 25%.

These priorities are designed to sustain the momentum built over the first 12 years and align India with global sustainability targets.

Success stories and flagship projects

Several high‑profile ventures illustrate how Make in India has translated policy into tangible outcomes. Below are three emblematic examples:

• Foxconn’s Tamil Nadu plant: The electronics giant invested $2 billion to set up a 1.2 million‑sq‑ft assembly line for smartphones and IoT devices, creating 10,000 direct jobs and spurring a supplier ecosystem that now supports more than 200 ancillary firms.
• Tata Motors’ electric vehicle hub: Leveraging the government’s EV incentive scheme, Tata built a $1.5 billion battery‑assembly complex in Gujarat. The facility produces 150,000 battery packs annually and has reduced the company’s carbon footprint by 25%.
• Sun Pharma’s API manufacturing expansion: With a $800 million FDI inflow, Sun Pharma upgraded its active‑pharmaceutical‑ingredient (API) capacity in Hyderabad, boosting export volumes by 40% and securing a reliable supply chain for both domestic and overseas markets.

International collaborations that amplify Make in India

Beyond domestic investment, strategic partnerships have been crucial for technology transfer and market access. Notable collaborations include:

These alliances have accelerated skill development, introduced cutting‑edge equipment, and opened new export corridors for Indian manufacturers.

Policy recommendations for the next decade

To sustain momentum and address lingering bottlenecks, experts suggest the following actions:

1. Unified tax framework: Implement a pan‑India Goods and Services Tax (GST) rebate for manufacturers that meet ESG benchmarks, reducing fiscal fragmentation across states.
2. Infrastructure financing hub: Establish a dedicated “Manufacturing Infrastructure Fund” that leverages multilateral development bank loans to fast‑track road, rail, and port upgrades linked to high‑impact zones.
3. Skill‑to‑job pipelines: Expand the apprenticeship model by partnering with industry bodies to co‑design curricula, ensuring 80% placement rates within six months of certification.
4. Digital twin ecosystems: Provide subsidies for factories adopting simulation‑based planning tools, enabling real‑time optimisation of production lines and supply chains.

Conclusion

Make in India’s first twelve years have demonstrated that coordinated policy, strategic incentives, and global partnerships can dramatically reshape a nation’s industrial landscape. While infrastructure, skill gaps, and regulatory harmonisation remain critical hurdles, the roadmap for 2025‑2030—anchored in digitalisation, sustainability, and inclusive growth—offers a clear trajectory. With continued commitment from both government and the private sector, India is poised to become one of the world’s top three manufacturing powerhouses by 2035.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Make in India launch and what was its main objective?

Make in India was launched in September 2014 to position India as a global manufacturing hub by simplifying regulations, offering incentives, and building skilled talent, with a goal to raise manufacturing’s GDP share to 25% by 2025.

How much foreign direct investment has Make in India attracted so far?

As of the end of FY 2023‑24, Make in India has drawn approximately $150 billion in cumulative foreign direct investment, according to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

What are the top sectors benefiting from Make in India?

Electronics, automotive, pharmaceuticals, renewable‑energy equipment, and defence manufacturing are the five largest recipients, together accounting for about $130 billion of total FDI.

What major challenges still affect Make in India’s success?

Infrastructure costs, a projected shortage of 90 million skilled manufacturing workers, and inconsistent state‑level regulations remain the primary hurdles to achieving the program’s long‑term targets.

What future initiatives are planned for Make in India after 2024?

The 2025‑2030 roadmap emphasizes digital manufacturing (Industry 4.0), green production incentives to cut emissions, and expanding MSME financing to boost inclusive growth.