Beyond the Euphoria: The Resilience of Atmanirbhar Bharat in a Fractured Global Order

This article examines India’s drive towards national security self-reliance through defence innovation under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. The study situates this project within a historical continuum, interpreting India’s orientation as a strategic reclamation of its ‘Golden Bird’ civilisational identity. It introduces the concept of a ‘G2.5 world order’—an unstable environment defined by neo-mercantilism, weakened multilateral norms, and power-driven economic coercion. The central argument posits that economic sovereignty alone is insufficient to ensure strategic autonomy. Drawing cautionary lessons from Japan’s post-Plaza Accord stagnation and Russia’s strategic attrition, the article concludes that Atmanirbharta must function as a pragmatic hedging strategy.