Road Ahead for Indian PSUs: Action Plan from PM Modi’s Vision

PM Modi’s Independence Day address put Atmanirbhar Bharat at the heart of India’s growth story. While the speech did not explicitly name Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), its themes on self-reliance, strategic autonomy, and indigenous capability translate directly into opportunities and responsibilities for PSUs across sectors.

1. Defence & Aerospace PSUs

Relevant Speech Themes: Operation Sindoor, indigenous jet engines, Mission Sudarshan Chakra.

Key PSUs: HAL, BEL, BEML, MDL, GRSE, BDL, Midhani

Action Plan:

• Jet Engine Mission: HAL to partner with DRDO and private players for indigenous turbofan/turboprop engine design.

• Defence Electronics & AI: BEL to lead AI-enabled radar, communication, and EW systems.

• Heavy Equipment: BEML to expand supply of armoured vehicles, bridging systems, and space-grade launch support equipment.

• Naval Systems: MDL & GRSE to deliver stealth ships, underwater drones, and indigenous propulsion systems.

• Special Materials: Midhani to develop next-gen alloys for aerospace, defence, and nuclear use.

2. Technology, Digital & Semiconductors

Relevant Speech Themes: Made-in-India chips by 2025-end, AI, cybersecurity, OS development.

Key PSUs: ITI Ltd, ECIL, C-DAC (society under MeitY), BEL.

Action Plan:

• Establish a PSU Semiconductor Alliance with private fabs and startups.

• Develop secure Indian operating systems for defence, government, and banking.

• ITI Ltd to expand into 5G/6G network equipment manufacturing.

• ECIL to focus on cyber-resilient hardware for strategic sectors.

3. Space Sector

Relevant Speech Themes: Indian space station, 300+ space startups, satellite innovation.

Key PSUs: NSIL, Antrix Corp, HAL, BEML, Midhani

Action Plan:

• NSIL to co-develop satellite buses and launch services with startups.

• HAL to manufacture structural modules for space station components.

• BEML to supply heavy-lift systems for ISRO’s Gaganyaan and space station projects.

4. Energy, Power & Critical Minerals

Relevant Speech Themes: 50% clean energy by 2025, 10x nuclear capacity by 2047, National Critical Minerals Mission, Deepwater Exploration Mission.

Key PSUs: NTPC, NHPC, NPCIL, NLC India, SECI, ONGC, OIL, Coal India, GMDC, HCL.

Action Plan:

• NTPC/NHPC to lead green hydrogen and pumped hydro storage projects.

• NPCIL to execute fast-track commissioning of new nuclear reactors.

• ONGC & OIL to expand deepwater oil/gas production and invest in offshore wind.

• Coal India to diversify into rare earths and lithium extraction via joint ventures.

• HCL & GMDC to secure cobalt, nickel, and rare earths for defence & EV batteries.

5. Fertilisers & Agriculture

Relevant Speech Themes: Domestic fertiliser production to protect food security.

Key PSUs: NFL, RCF, FACT, BVFCL

Action Plan:

• Modernise ageing fertiliser plants for energy efficiency.

• Invest in green ammonia production via renewable energy.

• Collaborate with ICAR for customised nutrient blends for region-specific crops.

6. Digital Sovereignty

Relevant Speech Themes: Indian social media platforms, secure data infrastructure.

Key PSUs: BSNL, ITI Ltd, ECIL

Action Plan:

• BSNL to launch sovereign cloud services for government departments.

• Develop PSU-led encrypted messaging platforms for official use.

• Collaborate with NIC and private firms to build India’s secure data backbone.

7. Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare

Relevant Speech Themes: R&D in medicines, vaccines, and medical technologies.

Key PSUs: HLL Lifecare, IDPL, BCPL

Action Plan:

• Revive IDPL with modern pharma R&D facilities.

• HLL to expand vaccine manufacturing and diagnostics.

• Pursue WHO prequalification for PSU-made medicines for global exports.

8. Swadeshi & “Vocal for Local”

Relevant Speech Themes: Pride in Indian-made goods, Swadeshi boards in shops.

Action Plan:

• All PSUs to adopt 100% Indian sourcing where feasible.

• Launch joint branding campaigns between PSUs and MSMEs.

• PSU retail outlets (e.g., CONSUMER STORES, HLL’s LifeCare shops) to carry “Vocal for Local” branding.

Strategic Recommendations

• Inter-PSU Collaboration: Defence PSUs working with technology PSUs for AI-driven warfare; energy PSUs linking with mining PSUs for rare earth supply chains.

• Public-Private Partnership Models: Leveraging PSU infrastructure with private sector agility in high-tech areas.

• Global Expansion: Using PSU scale and reputation to secure overseas contracts in power, defence, and engineering.

• Governance Reforms: Grant greater operational autonomy and link executive bonuses to innovation & export performance.

Conclusion

PM Modi’s speech is not just a national policy statement—it is a strategic call-to-action for PSUs to reinvent themselves as innovation-driven, globally competitive enterprises. By aligning with these themes, Indian PSUs can become the driving force behind Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat 2047.