Atmanirbhar is not new to our country. Given India’s vast size and population density, there is immense scope to be self-reliant. Talking about Atmanirbhar Bharat on a national scale, India can build a strong capacity across a range of industries with the help of global technology, products, and services. In this process, not only does India become skilled, but also capable of exporting a range of products and services.

Still a developing economy, India’s per capita income is less than $ 3,000. This means that a range of global products and services need to be priced to suit the Indian wallet. This principle drives production and manufacturing in India. For example, a car produced in the US will be too expensive for most Indians, and must be locally produced/assembled to reduce prices for the consumer. 

Despite this, India is known as a knowledge powerhouse to the rest of the world, especially when it comes to software technology, knowledge services and manpower. Brimming with a vast pool of talent, the country has immense potential to transform its economy with a skill-based approach towards the future to become truly Atmanirbhar. 

Marrying technology with talent and services

Logistics comprises infrastructure such as roads, ports, etc., equipment such as trucks, ships, etc., energy such as diesel, gas, etc., services such as transportation, warehousing, etc., and technology including software, mobile terminals, etc. In each of these components, there is a need and ample scope to become Atmanirbhar.

Since energy is one of the key costs in logistics (70% of transportation costs are fuel and tyre) and also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, replacing it with ethanol or EVs will contribute towards innovation, job creation and reduce emissions while making India Atmanirbhar. 

Today, most digital components are imported to India. With the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0 right round the corner, with electronic sensors, 5G, powerful computers and mobile devices, India has the potential to create localised, indigenous software which will solve Indian problems. India can create fantastic technology solutions in logistics which can also be scaled and exported to other countries. 

Local solutions with a global outlook

Atmanirbhar needs to be looked at as a value creation tool with which India can pull its weight in the logistics world globally. Already home to complex problems, Indian logistical solutions can be adapted to global markets as per their needs while leveraging our talent’s expertise in software and data sciences. India can create its own FedExs, DHLs and Maersk Lines with a creation mindset/problem-solving approach. 

In fact, Indian start-ups are fast becoming a force to reckon with as they pick up and find solutions to problems which are unique to India. Going forward as well, start-ups will play a crucial role in contributing to India’s ability to outshine its global peers in this industry, along with others. Looking at this, global logistics players have started taking keen interest: FedEx has invested $100 million into home-grown player Delhivery, which will leverage its technological services across emerging markets to provide solutions and complement FedEx’s global reach. Indian logistics start-ups such as Grey Orange, Far Eye, Loginext are now global players with customers in over 50 countries.

While Atmanirbhar is usually seen from a production perspective, even a service-oriented industry such as logistics can and will benefit from value addition locally. Indian start-ups and logistics companies are primed to propel our country into the exciting future! 

About the author:

Apurva Mankad is the CEO and Founder of WebXpress and LogiCloud. While WebXpress is India's leading SaaS set of solutions for transportation, fleet management and warehouse management, LogiCloud is supply chain visibility platform that connects with over 100 logistics partners. Mankad is a member of the National Logistics Committee under IAMAI (Internet and Mobile Association of India).