The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Mission) is a comprehensive policy framework and economic stimulus package launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 12, 2020. The concept, which translates to "Self-Reliant India," is a vision for a new India that is independent and self-sustaining in all senses. It gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the economic slowdown and the impact of the lockdown, aiming to turn the crisis into an opportunity. The mission was announced with a special economic and comprehensive package of ₹20 lakh crore, which was equivalent to approximately 10% of India's GDP at the time.
The Abhiyan is structured around five pillars: Economy, Infrastructure, Technology-driven Systems, Vibrant Demography, and Demand. Its mechanism involves a series of financial and structural reforms across various sectors, focusing on Land, Labour, Liquidity, and Laws. Key provisions included a ₹3 lakh crore collateral-free automatic loan for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and a change in the definition of MSMEs by amending the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 to introduce a turnover-based criteria and remove the distinction between manufacturing and services MSMEs. Other reforms included increasing the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in defence manufacturing under the automatic route from 49% to 74% and the corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Boards (OFB).
The concept is closely connected to the slogan "Vocal for Local" and the broader 'Make in India' initiative, which was launched in 2014. While the historical idea of self-reliance traces back to the Swadeshi movement and Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on local production, the modern Atmanirbhar Bharat is not intended to be protectionist or isolationist. Instead, it aims to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports, and position India as a key player in global supply chains, embodying the theme of 'local for global'. The government announced subsequent packages, labeled Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 and 3.0, in late 2020 to maintain the progress of the mission.