Global Protectionism and India's Path to Self-Reliance: Opportunities and Challenges under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

The dynamics of twenty-first century international commerce have been transformed by the resurgence of global protectionism, manifested through tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and restrictive trade regulations. These regulations impose considerable barriers for a developing nation like India, as they restrict access to international markets, disrupt supply chains, and hinder export growth. The Indian government has formulated the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan as an extensive strategy to enhance resilience, fortify domestic industries, and mitigate foreign risks. This article critically examines the interplay between India's self-reliance objective and global protectionist trends, emphasising both potential and challenges. The study utilises secondary data from international and national sources to examine the effects of protectionism on India's trade performance and assesses governmental efforts aimed at improving competitiveness, promoting local entrepreneurship, and supporting traditional industries. The economical and cultural dimensions of self-reliance are highlighted through case studies from the export-oriented sectors of Uttar Pradesh, including handicrafts, leather, carpets, and brassware. The findings suggest that while global protectionism presents significant obstacles, it simultaneously incentivizes India to modernise its industries, diversify its markets, and fortify local communities. The study concludes with policy proposals to align India's economic strategy with the overarching objective of inclusive and sustainable self-reliance.