Rahul Gandhi’s speech in Parliament on Monday garnered praise for its maturity but fell short of being considered visionary by most. His sister and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra termed it as such, highlighting its focus on the country's future rather than political blame games. However, much of what Rahul Gandhi pointed out—India’s manufacturing lag behind China, the need for self-reliance in critical technologies, and the importance of AI, batteries, and electric mobility—are longstanding issues that successive governments, including the Congress-led UPA, have dealt with for decades.
In his speech, Rahul acknowledged that PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ was a good initiative but criticized it for failing to deliver. While he commended the attempt, his remarks largely ignored the actual steps taken under Modi’s leadership. Over the last decade, the government has launched targeted policies and investment programs to enhance domestic manufacturing, boost AI development, promote clean energy, and establish India’s semiconductor industry. The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes have aimed to build self-sufficiency in electric vehicle production, batteries, and electronics. The AI sector has received significant investments, including the IndiaAI Mission, which supports startups and infrastructure development. Clean energy initiatives such as the Solar Park scheme and the National Solar Mission have expanded India’s renewable energy capacity, and a new AI Centre of Excellence has been announced.
Nirmala Sitharaman dismissed Rahul’s speech as lacking substance, questioning his authority on the subject given his own party’s past inaction. She challenged him to address the 2008 MoU signed with China during the UPA years, suggesting that the Congress’s engagement with China then stood in contrast to its present criticism of India’s manufacturing dependence. She also pointed out that China’s current lead in manufacturing and technology is a result of long-term planning, not a sudden phenomenon. In contrast, India’s recent policy push under Modi—such as the nuclear energy mission, semiconductor manufacturing, and domestic solar panel production—reflects a strategic approach to catching up.
While Rahul Gandhi’s concerns about India’s technological and economic future are valid, his newfound urgency appears delayed. As a key figure in the Congress during the UPA years, he had the opportunity to shape policy when the party was in power. Instead, India lost valuable time to corruption scandals and policy paralysis. His recent speech may have highlighted important challenges, but it also reinforced the perception that he has only now woken up to issues that have been evident for decades. Time, indeed, is of the essence for nations and leaders—what matters is when they act, not just when they speak.
