India must build strong national character to become developed by 2047: Ex-NITI Aayog CEO

New Delhi: Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Friday said India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047 would depend on strengthening "national character" and achieving technological self-reliance in critical sectors.

Speaking at a session organised by Bharat Ki Soch, Kant said India must move beyond colonial-era frameworks and build institutions and development models rooted in its own realities and civilisational ethos.

The discussion, titled 'Shedding Our Colonial Vestiges: Lessons for a Viksit Bharat', focused on governance reforms, technological sovereignty, manufacturing growth and inclusive development.


"India's future growth would require strategic investments in sectors such as renewable energy, semiconductor manufacturing, critical minerals and clean technologies to reduce external dependency and strengthen long-term resilience," Kant said

He also highlighted the role of digital public infrastructure and open-source technology systems in expanding access to governance and services.

Anil Rajput, chairman of Bharat Ki Soch, also said India's development journey should be guided by institutions rooted in Indian realities while remaining globally competitive.