Critical tech list under review to push self-reliance
India's Niti Aayog is preparing a list of critical technologies for enhancing self-reliance and investment. This initiative aims to protect against disruptions due to limited access to essential technologies. Potential technologies include 6G, defence equipment, and electric vehicle powertrains. The government seeks to encourage innovation through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and…
The National Institution for Transforming India (Niti Aayog) is compiling a list of critical technologies across various sectors that India must become self-reliant in. This initiative aims to bolster domestic capabilities, safeguard the nation from potential disruptions due to technology shortages, and establish a roadmap for increased domestic production through targeted investments and research.
Officials revealed that the final list may be finalized as early as next month. The critical technologies in contention include 6G architecture and hardware, defense equipment, genomic sequencing, and electric vehicle powertrains. While progress in developing indigenous capabilities in these sectors is underway, a formal government list and strategy will likely encourage private investment, according to the officials.
Several global powers, including the United States, European Union, Canada, China, Australia, and the UK, have their own critical technology lists and are implementing funding mechanisms and self-reliance strategies to protect themselves against global supply shocks. India's proposed plan includes providing procurement guarantees for certain technologies through public sector firms during the initial years or until market demand increases.
Additionally, a portion of research funds could be allocated to these sectors to spur innovation and development. India already has several schemes to incentivize innovation and investment in sunrise sectors, but the government believes a more focused approach is required as initial growth is slow and limited to specific industries.
To support research and development (R&D) in the private sector, the government established the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund (RDIF). Recently, 14 alternative investment funds and five focused research organizations were approved, with a total RDIF commitment of ₹7,131 crore, announced a year after the fund's inception in November 2025.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times - Economy's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
