The road to Viksit Bharat by 2047 includes a destination we must reach much sooner. And that is Atmanirbhar Bharat. No nation has become strong by being dependent on imports. The government is aware of this and the Prime Minister’s call for self-reliance and swadeshi are very timely. If we look at India’s imports, 50 per cent are on account of the natural resources sector — oil, gold, copper, bauxite and many others. Electronics are also a big component, but 15 per cent of total imports. The government has made a huge, successful push in that sector with increased production domestically. It is time to recognise that Atmanirbhar Bharat must involve raising domestic production in the natural resources sector as well.

Fortunately, India has tremendous geological resources, second to none. I

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