Bilateral relations with China have worsened since the stand-off with Chinese troops at the India-China border. It earlier began with a border dispute with China claiming parts of Indian territories being China’s territories. India disputed these claims and had its troops guard the border even stronger. Later Chinese troops came at the border and opposed Indian troops from constructing anything there. This further led to a physical confrontation amongst the troops. Post this both the governments decided to amicably talk and solve the disputes between the two nations. While these talks are still to begin, India took a definitive move by delaying the approval for the shipments from China and China responded by stopping India’s cargo in their docks. Revolting to China’s actions, the Government banned 59 Chinese apps. This has reportedly not gone well with the Chinese Government. During this tussle with China, PM Modi in an address to the whole nation put forth his dream of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India), wherein India would become completely self-reliant and would not have to buy dependent on any other for anything. This dream seems like a long reach and very difficult to achieve because India imports so much more than it exports in most of the sectors, especially medical.
In these times, a PIL has filed the Dehli High Court wherein the Petitioner sought online shopping sites to disclose the make of the products it sells so that customers are aware of the product’s nationality when they choose to purchase it. This plea sought implementation of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 and its rules which sought disclosure of origin of the products on e-commerce sites so that the customers can make an informed choice and support the PM’s dream by purchasing more Indian goods. According to the Petitioner, the mandate was never enforced with respect to e-commerce sites. This is not just with respect to China, if India is to become self-reliant it would have to reduce import from numerous nations and start manufacturing the products within the nation. This PIL was heard by the Delhi High Court on 1st July 2020 and issued a noticed for the same. The notice sought response from the Government of India on this plea. Notice to e-commerce giants Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal were also issued which sought their opinion on the matter. The notice seeks a response from all by 22nd Jul 2020 post which the court shall adjudicate upon the matter.
If the dream of self-reliant India is to come true, then it shall boost the economy of the nation in a major way but for that to happen all Indians will have to do their part in this. It might take over a decade to achieve this but it could be achieved.