India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Defence Outreach

Leveraging the Gulf Strategic Partnerships

Abstract

In May 2020 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the clarion call for Atmanirbhar Bharat or ‘Self Reliant India’; the initiative, at
least until then referred to economic stimulus packages intended for the distressed population during the Pandemic. However, soon after, it became the buzzword for modern India, the one touted as a responsible, reliable regional and global power that visualizes itself as a self-reliant and self-sufficient economy while maintaining its strategic autonomy. This realisation further got affirmation when the country became the first responder and a responsible supplier of basic medicines such as paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine to around 120 countries during the initial stages of COVID-19, thus providing impetus to India’s medical diplomacy.