Geopolitical Realignments and Make in India: Manufacturing Strategy in a Fragmented Global Economy

Abstract The contemporary global economic order is undergoing a profound structural transformation, shifting from a model of hyper-globalization toward one defined by geoeconomic fragmentation sand security-centric industrial policies. This research paper examines the intersection of global geopolitical realignments and India’s strategic manufacturing initiative, "Make in India" (MII), within the context of the evolving 2024-2026 economic landscape. As multinational corporations (MNCs) and advanced economies aggressively pursue "China Plus One" and "friendshoring" strategies to mitigate risks associated with over-dependence on single-source geographies, India has positioned itself as a critical "connector" country and an alternative global manufacturing hub (IMF, 2024; Lachaux, 2025). Utilizing a comprehensive secondary research methodology and thematic analysis of over 100 policy and academic documents, this study evaluates India’s progress across high-growth sectors, including electronics, semiconductors, and defense (PIB, 2025; IBEF, 2025). The analysis integrates Global Production Network (GPN) 2.0 theory, the Resource-Based View (RBV), and Innovation Ecosystem theory to demonstrate how flagship interventions, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and the National Manufacturing Mission (NMM), have facilitated a transition from low-value assembly to high-value component manufacturing (Scholars@Duke, 2025; Nayyar PIB, 2025). The study identifies critical challenges, including logistics inefficiencies and the "execution gap" in the electric vehicle (EV) battery segment, while offering strategic recommendations to solidify India's path toward a USD 1 trillion manufacturing economy by 2026 (NITI Aayog, 2025).