Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
Objective: Define friendshoring concisely and explain its relevance.
- Define friendshoring: Strategy focusing on aligning trade and investments with like-minded nations to reduce supply chain risks.
- Mention its global context: Increasing reliance on China and disruptions like Russia’s gas supply to Europe during the Ukraine crisis.
Fact to Use:
- As per global trends, the U.S. has incorporated friendshoring in its trade policies to enhance supply chain resilience.
2. Explanation of Friendshoring
Objective: Detail its key components and current trends.
- Aligns trade with nations having shared values (e.g., democratic setups, economic stability).
- Encourages investment in stable economies offering reliability in supply chains.
Fact to Use:
- Major countries like the U.S. and EU have initiated partnerships under frameworks such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.
3. How Friendshoring Can Contribute to India’s Development
Subheadings:
3.1 Integration into Global Supply Chains
- Opportunities under friendshoring to position India as a trusted partner.
- Example: India’s role in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the Minerals Security Partnership.
3.2 Boost to Manufacturing
- Growth in key industries like semiconductors, electronics, and defense.
- Example: Apple and Foxconn’s investments in India .
3.3 Infrastructure Development
- Increased investments encourage better logistics and manufacturing competitiveness.
3.4 Job Creation and Innovation
- Potential for domestic and international employment.
- Collaboration with advanced countries fosters technology transfer and innovation.
3.5 Addressing Global Challenges
- Aligning with global goals like climate change, sustainable development, and poverty reduction.
4. Challenges and Recommendations
Objective: Highlight challenges and solutions to optimize friendshoring benefits.
- Challenges: Bureaucratic delays, lack of advanced infrastructure, and competition from other emerging markets.
- Recommendations: Improve ease of doing business, streamline policies, and promote investment-friendly reforms.
5. Conclusion
Objective: Summarize and emphasize the need for decisive action.
- Friendshoring is a strategic opportunity for India to enhance its economic and developmental trajectory.
- India must efficiently implement policies to maximize friendshoring benefits.
Relevant Facts for Use
- Global Context:
- “The U.S. and its allies have embraced friendshoring to counter overreliance on China.”.
- Indian Investment Context:
- Apple and Foxconn’s significant manufacturing investments in India.
- Technological Growth:
- India’s semiconductor and electronics industries have the potential to grow with global partnerships under friendshoring. .
- Job Creation:
- Friendshoring-driven collaborations can create thousands of jobs in manufacturing and allied sectors.
Model Answer
Friendshoring is an economic strategy where countries prioritize trade and investment partnerships with nations that share similar values, ideologies, and geopolitical alignment. It aims to reduce dependence on countries perceived as security risks, ensuring supply chain resilience. Factors like the overreliance on China for manufacturing and Russia’s natural gas weaponization during the Ukraine crisis have prompted countries like the USA to adopt friendshoring.
1. Enhanced Global Supply Chain Integration
2. Boosting Industry Expansion
3. Increased Investment and Export Opportunities
4. Infrastructure and Economic Development
5. Job Creation and Technological Innovation
6. Aligned Developmental Goals
Conclusion
Friendshoring presents India with a strategic opportunity to accelerate its developmental goals. However, to maximize these benefits, India must create an investor-friendly environment and implement efficient policies to remain competitive in the global landscape.