Hawkins is a trusted name in the pressure cooker industry, renowned for its wide range of reliable and high-quality products. Whether you prefer stainless steel, anodised aluminium, or induction-compatible options, Hawkins offers cookers to suit every kitchen need and cooking style.

This article highlights the 10 best Hawkins cookers currently available, making it easier for you to choose the perfect one for your kitchen. Each product on our list comes with detailed descriptions, outlining its unique features and benefits, helping you understand how it meets your requirements.

Additionally, we’ve included a comprehensive feature comparison table to simplify your decision-making process further. From everyday cooking tasks to specialised recipes, these cookers ensure efficiency, durability, and outstanding performance. Explore the options to find the ideal Hawkins cooker that blends seamlessly with your cooking habits and enhances your culinary experience. Read on to discover the perfect addition to your kitchen!

The Hawkins Contura Anodised Aluminium Pressure Cooker is a durable and efficient cooker that is perfect for everyday use. It features a unique curved body for easy stirring, and the anodized aluminum construction ensures quick and even heat distribution. With a capacity of 3 liters, this cooker is ideal for small to medium-sized families. The sturdy handle provides a firm grip, and the pressure regulator ensures safe and efficient cooking.

Specifications of Hawkins Contura Anodised Aluminium Pressure Cooker

• Anodized aluminum construction
• Curved body for easy stirring
• Pressure regulator for safety
• Sturdy handle for a firm grip

3 liters capacity

The Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker is designed for quick and efficient cooking. It features a sleek and modern design, with a capacity of 3 liters, making it suitable for small to medium-sized families. The hard anodized aluminum construction ensures durability and even heat distribution, while the pressure regulator and safety valve provide added peace of mind during cooking. The sturdy handle is designed for a comfortable and firm grip, making it easy to use.

Specifications of Hawkins Contura Pressure Cooker 3 Litres

• 3 liters capacity
• Hard anodized aluminum construction
• Sleek and modern design
• Pressure regulator and safety valve
• Sturdy handle for a comfortable grip

Also read:Best Hawkins 3 litre pressure cookers for small families: Top 8 choices to experience effortless cooking

Hawkins Stainless Pressure Cooker 3 Litres

The Hawkins Stainless Pressure Cooker is a durable and reliable cooker that is perfect for everyday use. It features a stainless steel construction, ensuring long-lasting performance and easy maintenance. With a capacity of 3 liters, this cooker is ideal for small to medium-sized families. The sturdy handle provides a comfortable grip, and the pressure regulator and safety valve ensure safe and efficient cooking.

Specifications of Hawkins Stainless Pressure Cooker 3 Litres

• 3 liters capacity
• Stainless steel construction
• Durable and reliable
• Pressure regulator and safety valve
• Sturdy handle for a comfortable grip

Also read:Best Pigeon cookers: Top 10 options for effortless and delicious cooking with durable stainless steel construction

Hawkins Pressure Contura Anodized Induction

The Hawkins Pressure Contura Anodized Induction Cooker is designed for use on induction stovetops, offering versatile cooking options for every kitchen. The anodized aluminum construction ensures quick and even heat distribution, while the pressure regulator and safety valve provide added peace of mind during cooking. With a capacity of 3 liters, this cooker is suitable for small to medium-sized families. The sturdy handle is designed for a comfortable and firm grip, making it easy to use.

Specifications of Hawkins Pressure Contura Anodized Induction

• 3 liters capacity
• Anodized aluminum construction
• Designed for induction stovetops
• Pressure regulator and safety valve
• Sturdy handle for a comfortable grip

The Hawkins Stainless CONTURA Pressure Cooker is a durable and efficient cooker that is perfect for everyday use. It features a stainless steel construction, ensuring long-lasting performance and easy maintenance. With a capacity of 3 liters, this cooker is ideal for small to medium-sized families. The sturdy handle provides a comfortable grip, and the pressure regulator and safety valve ensure safe and efficient cooking.

Specifications of Hawkins Stainless CONTURA Pressure Cooker

• 3 liters capacity
• Stainless steel construction
• Durable and efficient
• Pressure regulator and safety valve
• Sturdy handle for a comfortable grip

The Hawkins Stainless Pressure Cooker is a durable and reliable cooker that is perfect for everyday use. It features a stainless steel construction, ensuring long-lasting performance and easy maintenance. With a capacity of 3 liters, this cooker is ideal for small to medium-sized families. The sturdy handle provides a comfortable grip, and the pressure regulator and safety valve ensure safe and efficient cooking.

Specifications of Hawkins Stainless Pressure Cooker 3 Litres

• 3 liters capacity
• Stainless steel construction
• Durable and reliable
• Pressure regulator and safety valve
• Sturdy handle for a comfortable grip

The Hawkins Futura Anodised Aluminum Pressure Cooker is a versatile and efficient cooker that is perfect for everyday use. It features a unique curved body for easy stirring, and the anodized aluminum construction ensures quick and even heat distribution. With a capacity of 3 liters, this cooker is ideal for small to medium-sized families. The sturdy handle provides a firm grip, and the pressure regulator ensures safe and efficient cooking.

Specifications of Hawkins Futura Anodised Aluminum Pressure Cooker

• 3 liters capacity
• Anodized aluminum construction
• Curved body for easy stirring
• Pressure regulator for safety
• Sturdy handle for a firm grip

The Hawkins Nonstick Pressure Induction Cooker is designed for use on induction stovetops, offering versatile cooking options for every kitchen. The nonstick coating ensures easy cleaning and maintenance, while the pressure regulator and safety valve provide added peace of mind during cooking. With a capacity of 3 liters, this cooker is suitable for small to medium-sized families. The sturdy handle is designed for a comfortable and firm grip, making it easy to use.

Specifications of Hawkins Nonstick Pressure Induction ICC15

• 3 liters capacity
• Nonstick coating
• Designed for induction stovetops
• Pressure regulator and safety valve
• Sturdy handle for a comfortable grip

The Hawkins Induction Pressure Cooker Wide is designed for use on induction stovetops, offering versatile cooking options for every kitchen. With a wide base, this cooker is suitable for cooking a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to curries and rice. The pressure regulator and safety valve provide added peace of mind during cooking, and the sturdy handle is designed for a comfortable and firm grip.

Specifications of Hawkins Induction Pressure Cooker Wide

• Wide base for versatile cooking
• Designed for induction stovetops
• Pressure regulator and safety valve
• Sturdy handle for a comfortable grip

The Hawkins Nonstick Pressure Induction Cooker is designed for use on induction stovetops, offering versatile cooking options for every kitchen. The nonstick coating ensures easy cleaning and maintenance, while the pressure regulator and safety valve provide added peace of mind during cooking. With a capacity of 5 liters, this cooker is suitable for larger families and gatherings. The sturdy handle is designed for a comfortable and firm grip, making it easy to use.

Specifications of Hawkins Nonstick Pressure Induction ICC50

• 5 liters capacity
• Nonstick coating
• Designed for induction stovetops
• Pressure regulator and safety valve
• Sturdy handle for a comfortable grip

Also read:Best Prestige Cookers for every kitchen – 2024 review & comparison of our top picks

Top 2 features of best Hawkins cookers:

Best value for money Hawkins cooker:

The Hawkins Nonstick Pressure Induction ICC50 offers the best value for money, with a large 5-liter capacity, nonstick coating for easy cleaning, and versatile cooking options for larger families and gatherings.

Also read:Best 1-litre cookers: Top 8 choices that are efficient, compact and perfect for quick meals

Best overall Hawkins cooker:

The Hawkins Contura Anodised Aluminium Pressure Cooker stands out as the best overall product in terms of construction, capacity, and features, making it a versatile and efficient choice for everyday use.

Factors to keep in mind while choosing the perfect Hawkins cooker:

Material: Choose between stainless steel and anodised aluminium cookers. Stainless steel is durable and easy to maintain, while aluminium offers faster heating.

Compatibility: Ensure the cooker is compatible with your stovetop, whether gas, electric, or induction, for seamless usage.

Capacity: Select a size that suits your household. Smaller cookers are ideal for singles or couples, while larger ones fit family needs.

Safety Features: Look for safety measures such as pressure regulators, locking lids, and durable gaskets for secure cooking.

Ease of Maintenance: Opt for a cooker with a design that allows easy cleaning and replacement of parts for long-term usability.

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Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

During Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, people held placards to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Manmohan Singh funeral live updates: The Union Home Ministry on Friday said that the last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be performed on Saturday, December 28 at 11:45 am at the Nigambodh Ghat crematorium in Delhi. Manmohan Singh died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday night at the age of 92. Singh, who was the 13th Prime Minister of India and the first Sikh to hold the coveted post, led the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Center from May 2004 to May 2014.…read more

Currently, India has emerged as one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the world and could become the third largest by 2024. With the number growing from 50,000 in 2018 to over 140,000 in 2024, the entrepreneurship landscape is exploding and driven by innovation. The flow of ideas, investments and a large pool of talent is currently transforming the country into one of the global hubs of entrepreneurship. As of Hurun India 2024 on Millennia’s self-made entrepreneurs, Bangalore, Mumbai and Gurugram are now considered the hubs of entrepreneurial activities.
Therefore, these three cities listed above are the major successful and prized startups found in India, which are vital for the progress of the country. Bengaluru is known as the “Silicon Valley of India” as most of the entrepreneurs and innovative companies in the region are based around this place. Mumbai is close to it as it is the financial capital of India. Therefore, one can avail of an excellent business ecosystem here as well as good access to capital. Thus, this diverse nature of startup clusters makes Gurugram a fast-growing technology and business-friendly city compared to the recent period. This thriving ecosystem has not only transformed the making of the Indian economy but also the place the country has achieved in the list of innovative countries globally.

Top Startup Cities in India

Leading Startup Cities in India 2024

India’s startup ecosystem has seen tremendous growth in recent times, and the country is ranked as the third largest startup ecosystem in the world in 2024. Hurun India’s 2024 report on self-made entrepreneurs of the millennium ranks cities based on the number of self-made entrepreneurs. Successful, self-made entrepreneurs leading significant startups. The ranking highlights cities that have become hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing significantly to India’s growth as an economic superpower.

Bengaluru (98 entrepreneurs, 66 notable companies)

Bengaluru is generally considered the “Silicon Valley” of India and the undisputed leader of the country’s startup ecosystem. There are 98 entrepreneurs and 66 most renowned companies that have set their mark in Bengaluru. Most attribute its origin to when India came up with its most successful technology ventures. There is an entrepreneurial spirit that this situation provides as the city ranks as a world center in technology.
Bengaluru is home to one of India’s largest and most innovative companies, the country’s leading stock brokerage platform Zerodha, led by its founders Nitin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath.
It has a deep talent pool of engineers, IT professionals and software developers. Because of this, it remains one of the most attractive destinations for tech startups. Additionally, Bengaluru is connected to an active venture capital network, which helps sustain many companies there. Its infrastructure, connectivity and access to various resources make it a top destination for entrepreneurs in the country.

Mumbai (73 entrepreneurs, 36 notable companies)

Mumbai is the financial hub of India and one of the leading states in the entrepreneurship scene in the country. Being at the second position with 73 entrepreneurs and 36 important companies, business finance and industrial would have attracted Mumbai as a hub. Entrepreneur Radhakishan Damani, who created Avenue Supermarts or DMart, has made the city a retail and e-commerce start-up hub.
It has good financial infrastructure and attracts capital and resources for the startup sector of retail, fintech and entertainment, which brings together a very wide market with an international financial center with great infrastructure, which is very important for India’s entrepreneurship. One of the top contenders in the ecosystem.

Gurugram (34 entrepreneurs, 31 notable companies)

Gurugram, as a hub located near New Delhi, is another important city, which houses 34 entrepreneurs and 31 major companies. This hub has emerged as one of the most important business cities and technology with housing for every e-commerce and fintech company in the industries apart from other IT services. Among the notable companies founded there is Zomato—a popular food delivery application created by Deepinder Goyal.
Gurugram is a major business destination as the city is just a short distance from New Delhi, so administrative and business resources in the national capital are readily accessible. Modern infrastructure including IT parks, office spaces and co-working centers has helped it grow as an innovation hub.

New Delhi (51 entrepreneurs, 15 notable companies)

New Delhi is the capital of India and is ranked fourth with 51 entrepreneurs and 15 notable companies. New Delhi-based entrepreneurs also include Vijay Shekhar Sharma who founded Paytm. Paytm is one of the largest fintech companies in India that provides wallet and payment options.
Delhi has a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and especially in the fintech, edtech and e-commerce sectors. When talking about infrastructure and its proximity to government institutions, Delhi provides networking opportunities, influencing policy, and access to funding for any start-up, and hence new Delhi will continue to be an element that will be very high as the status of India’s startup culture and self-made entrepreneurs have even greater claims.

Chennai (16 entrepreneurs, 12 notable companies)

Chennai was an automobile and manufacturing city; It is now ranked fifth with 16 entrepreneurs and 12 notable companies. Entrepreneurs like Vasanth Sridhar, who founded OffBusiness, a B2B platform for SMEs, have helped diversify Chennai’s entrepreneurial profile creating more tech-driven and industrial startups.
Chennai has an industrial base, making it strong with a qualified workforce primarily in industries such as automotive, information technology and healthcare. Its entrepreneurial culture in sectors like fintech, software and education is growing day by day.

Pune (15 entrepreneurs, 7 notable companies)

Pune is at sixth position with 15 entrepreneurs and 7 important companies. Over time, Pune has developed niches for itself in sectors such as information technology, education and e-commerce. Such e-commerce giants also include FirstCry, co-founded by Supam Maheshwari, Sanket Hattimattur and Prashant Jadhav.
The city is known for its thriving startup culture driven by its educational institutions, research centers and tech parks. Pune has also become a destination for tech talent, driving its growth as a startup hub.

Hyderabad (11 entrepreneurs, 6 notable companies)

Hyderabad is ranked seventh with 11 entrepreneurs and 6 notable companies. Hyderabad, known for its role as a technology and pharmaceutical hub, is home to Nandan Reddy, co-founder of India’s leading food delivery platform Swiggy.
Hyderabad’s emerging startup ecosystem has received tremendous support from thousands of technology companies including those in the software development sector, e-commerce and healthtech. The reason Hyderabad appeals is that its cost of living is low, the talent pool is abundant, and the infrastructure is very strong.

Ahmedabad (10 Entrepreneurs, 6 Notable Companies)

At the eighth position is Ahmedabad with 10 entrepreneurs and 6 notable companies like Eris Lifesciences, whose CEO is Amit Bakshi. Strengths exist in manufacturing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, positioning Ahmedabad as an innovation hub. The city has a favorable business environment due to low operating costs and strong industrial infrastructure. Its growth in the startup ecosystem has been driven by ventures in industries such as healthcare, retail, and software development.

Kolkata (7 entrepreneurs, 2 notable companies)

With an entrepreneurial ecosystem smaller in size, Kolkata is ranked ninth with 7 entrepreneurs and 2 notable companies. Ravi Modi is from Kolkata. He founded Vedanta Fashion with Manyavar ethnic-wear brand and Kolkata is his home. Kolkata is still in its early stages compared to other big cities, but it has been particularly promising in retail and fashion. This city holds growth potential as more entrepreneurs are emerging in the region.

Jaipur (6 entrepreneurs, 2 notable companies)

The top 10 is Jaipur, home to 6 entrepreneurs and 2 notable companies, namely Amit Jain and Anurag Jain’s CarDekho. The company is a popular online portal for buying and selling cars. Although Jaipur’s startup ecosystem is quite small, it has shown significant potential over the past few years. The cost of doing business in this city is quite low and it is now emerging as a hub of e-commerce and digital services.
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Maintaining a clean and tidy home is important for a healthy and comfortable living environment. Wet and dry vacuum cleaners offer versatility and efficiency, making them an ideal solution for modern homes. These appliances are designed to handle a variety of cleaning tasks from removing dust and debris to dealing with liquid leakage, ensuring that your home remains spotless.

With so many models available, choosing the right wet and dry vacuum cleaner can be challenging. Each product varies in features, capacity, and performance, making it essential to understand your specific needs. This article aims to simplify your decision making process by presenting the top 8 wet and dry vacuum cleaners available in the market.

We provide detailed product descriptions, highlight their advantages and disadvantages, and include a comprehensive feature comparison table. Whether you need a mild option or a high-powered cleaner, our guide will ensure you choose the one best suited for your home.

The BLACK+DECKER WDC215WA-QW Lithium-Ion Dustbuster is a powerful and compact wet and dry vacuum cleaner. With a lightweight design and strong suction power, it is perfect for quick cleaning and deep cleaning tasks. The lithium-ion battery ensures long-lasting performance, and the dustbin capacity is 385ml, making it suitable for small to medium-sized cleaning jobs.

Specifications of BLACK+DECKER WDC215WA-QW Lithium-Ion Dustbuster

• lithium ion batteries
• 385 ml dust bowl capacity
• Compact and lightweight design
• strong suction power
• Suitable for wet and dry cleaning

The Bissell Portable Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner features HeatWave Technology, which helps maintain a constant water temperature during the cleaning process. With a 4.5-litre tank capacity, it is suitable for both wet and dry cleaning tasks. The portable design and strong suction power make it a convenient choice for versatile cleaning needs.

Specifications of Bissell Portable Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner

• heatwave technology
• 4.5-litre tank capacity
• Portable and lightweight design
• strong suction power
• Suitable for wet and dry cleaning

Cleaner Capacity Function The Cleaning Stainless is a high capacity wet and dry vacuum cleaner suitable for heavy-duty cleaning jobs. With a 20-litre tank capacity and powerful suction, it is ideal for larger homes or commercial spaces. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity, making it a reliable choice for tough cleaning tasks.

Specifications of Cleaner Capacity Function Cleaning Stainless

• 20-litre tank capacity
• powerful suction
• stainless steel construction
• Suitable for heavy duty cleaning
• Versatile wet and dry cleaning capabilities

Also read:Eureka Forbes Vacuum Cleaner: Get easy cleaning in minutes with these top 10 options

The Eureka Forbes Wet & Dry Ultimo Vacuum Cleaner has a powerful motor and a 20-litre capacity tank, making it perfectly suited for wet and dry cleaning tasks. The compact and portable design, along with versatile cleaning capabilities, makes it an ideal choice for homes and small businesses.

Specifications of Eureka Forbes Wet and Dry Ultimo Vacuum Cleaner

• powerful motor
• 20-litre tank capacity
• Compact and portable design
• Suitable for wet and dry cleaning
• Versatile cleaning capabilities

AGARO 1000-Watt 10-Litre Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner is a compact and efficient cleaning solution for small to medium-sized homes. With a 1000-watt motor and 10-litre tank capacity, it offers reliable wet and dry cleaning performance. The lightweight and portable design makes it easy to use and store, and multifunctional attachments add to its versatility.

Specifications of AGARO 1000-Watt 10-Litre Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner

• 1000-watt motor
• 10-litre tank capacity
• Lightweight and portable design
• multifunctional attachment
• Suitable for wet and dry cleaning

The Ace 1600-Watt 21-Liter Stainless Steel Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner is a heavy-duty cleaning solution with a powerful 1600-Watt motor and 21-Liter stainless steel tank. It is suitable for larger homes, workshops and commercial spaces, offering strong suction power and durable construction for tough cleaning jobs.

Specifications of Ace 1600-Watt 21-Litre Stainless Steel Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner

• 1600-watt motor
• 21-litre stainless steel tank
• Heavy-duty cleaning capabilities
• Durable and strong construction
• Suitable for wet and dry cleaning

The American Micronic AMI-VCD21-1600WDx Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner has a 1600-watt motor and 21-liter stainless steel tank, making it suitable for versatile cleaning tasks. The sturdy construction and strong suction power ensure reliable performance, and multi-functional attachments enhance its cleaning capabilities.

Specifications of American Micronic AMI-VCD21-1600WDx Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner

• 1600-watt motor
• 21-litre stainless steel tank
• strong construction
• multifunctional attachment
• Suitable for wet and dry cleaning

The INALSA Master 35 1000-Watt Telescopic Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner is a versatile cleaning solution with a 1000-watt motor and telescopic tube for extended reach. With a 35-litre tank capacity and multi-functional attachments, it is suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks. The compact and portable design makes it easy to use and store, and the strong suction power ensures efficient cleaning performance.

Specifications of INALSA Master 35 1000-Watt Telescopic Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner

• 1000-watt motor
• 35-litre tank capacity
• Telescopic tube for extended reach
• multifunctional attachment
• Suitable for wet and dry cleaning

Also read:Best vacuum cleaners for pet hair: Find powerful, efficient vacuums designed to remove pet hair from all surfaces

Top 4 Features of the Best Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaners:

Best value for money wet and dry vacuum cleaner:

The Bissell Portable Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner offers the best value for money with its HeatWave technology, 4.5-litre tank capacity and portable design. It is a versatile and efficient option for everyday cleaning tasks, making it a cost-effective investment for your home.

Also read:Best Portable Vacuum Cleaners for Home: Top 10 Options That Are Compact, Powerful, and Easy to Use

Best overall wet and dry vacuum cleaner:

The Ace 1600-Watt 21-Litre Stainless Steel Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner is the best overall product due to its powerful motor, large tank capacity, and durable construction. It is suitable for heavy-duty cleaning tasks and provides reliable performance for a wide range of cleaning requirements.

Factors to keep in mind while choosing the right wet and dry vacuum cleaner:

capacity and size: Consider the size and capacity of the vacuum cleaner. Larger tanks are ideal for extensive cleaning jobs, while smaller models are suitable for compact spaces.

motor power and suction: Check the power and suction capacity of the motor to ensure effective cleaning of both wet and dry debris.

filtration system: Choose a model with a high-quality filtration system like a HEPA filter for better air quality and allergen removal.

Attachments and Accessories: Look for useful attachments like brushes, nozzles, and extension hoses for versatile cleaning applications.

ease of maintenance: Select a vacuum cleaner that is easy to clean and maintain, with accessible filters and removable tanks.

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Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

The world you will enter is a different one from the one I walked into when I graduated. There was one aspect of the world of my youth that I treasure, an aspect I would greatly like to see restored: that somehow the society in which I lived and worked was more united, more naturally, unselfconsciously Indian than the one that is emerging today.

That all-permeating Indianness is still strong. My principal civil servants, for instance, come from four corners of India. One comes from Tamil Nadu, another from Kerala, one from Punjab and another from Gujarat; and they have all served India in their own ways. The India in which I grew up, earned my livelihood, brought up my children — this India has meant much to me. I have regarded all of it as my home, and I could not have been at home anywhere else.

But in some important respects, that India is being questioned, challenged. My own home state is rent by strife over its Indianness, a strife that fills me with great sadness. Competitive politics has raised caste and communal tensions to a dangerous level in several parts of our country. There is more parochiality in the governments. Politics is ceasing to be a vehicle of purposeful social change. Even industry finds its cosmopolitan character under threat of erosion. This is what I find most disturbing, even more for you than for myself. You have the future of this country in your hands; I would urge you to work to restore its Indianness, its instinctive unity.

There is another important respect which requires urgent national attention. I refer to the visible signs of erosion of national self-confidence and to the need for strong corrective action.

The sense of confident nationhood was the most palpable characteristic of the era of my youth. Our leaders Gandhi ji, Nehru, Patel had this confidence in great abundance; they had no doubts about the potential of this nation, or about its ability to look after itself. They were, in fact, allergic to dependence and its consequences to sycophancy on the one hand and truculence on the other. The one thing they tried to impart to the country was self- confidence and self-respect. Their influence is still strong, and their example would continue to inspire us to look the world in the face. But it must be admitted that of late there has been a weakening of this feeling of self-confidence.

A feeling has grown that somehow, we Indians are inferior to other nations, that we cannot compete against other countries in the global markets, that therefore we must build strong protective walls to insulate our economy from outside competition. I regard this feeling of lack of self-confidence a major barrier to the realisation of India’s immense development potential.

The leaders of our national struggle had faith in our nation, and the greatest homage we can pay them would be if we could restore the nation’s belief in itself not simply restore it, but revivify, rediscover, and redesign it. Let me illustrate what I mean by taking examples from the fields with which I know well.

Trade and industryTake, for instance, the area of trade. Industrialists in this country are blessed with many advantages that other countries do not enjoy. Our wage costs are very low. Our food prices are generally lower than elsewhere. We grow some of the world’s best cotton at extremely competitive costs. Our raw materials, where it is iron ore or coal or bauxite or bamboo, are available at throwaway prices.

But even with these advantages, the idea of our industry competing with industry abroad encounters resistance. Our import duties are amongst the highest in the world. We are trying to reduce them. We have reduced the peak duties to 110% in the last budget. With this, the duties on some products have fallen to the same level as the duties on their inputs. This appears to some of our industrialists as unreasonable. They argue that their products must bear a duty that is at least 20% higher than the duty on their components and raw materials. But if they made full use of the cheap labour and raw materials available in this country, it is not they but their competitors abroad that should need protection.

Excessive protection of industry and import substitution regardless of cost have created a pattern of industrialisation which generates few additional jobs. It has sheltered monopolies and accentuated disparities in income and wealth. Protection entails a subsidy given to the producer at the cost of the consumer. Heavy protection granted to industry has constituted massive discrimination against agriculture; no wonder that the disparities in living standards between rural and urban India have increased over time.

Industries and firms may be protected to correct inequalities in competition. If firms are new or small, they may deserve protection until they can compete on equal terms. But they should not become permanent infants. It is important not to equate protection with patriotism and trade with sin. Glorification of autarky can do our country enormous harm. India has a fairly diversified natural resource endowment but it has to be recognised that on a per capita basis we are not well endowed with natural resources. Thus, India has to become a major international trading nation if its development potential is to be realised in full measure.

With our manpower, with our natural resources, we can capture considerable share of markets in the world. We can be the world’s leading exporters of tropical goods, textile, steel and engineering goods. With larger exports, we can import materials from elsewhere and become competitive manufacturers of goods for which we do not have cheap inputs electronic goods, chemicals, wooden and metal handicrafts. Export activity would generate production and employment in our own country. We would not need to send our workers abroad to work under arduous conditions: they could make a gainful living in India itself. With a more dynamic economy, the graduates of our institutes of science and technology will not need to migrate to foreign lands in such large numbers.

Trade also has political implications. Japan and Germany are major world powers today, not because of powerful armies or lethal weapons, but because of their trade with the world. As the world prospers, they will inevitably prosper; on the other hand, they are so important to the world that the world cannot let them go down.

The world has a stake in a country in proportion to its international trade. Our share in world trade has declined from 3% in 1950 to half a per cent today. The result is that the world’s stake in our welfare and prosperity is minimal today.

Our country has been in serious economic trouble in the last two years. We have looked for help from outside. Irrespective of their political colour, irrespective of their nationalist postures at home, finance ministers have travelled abroad in search of support. Yet they got very little. The reason is not that the world is unduly hardhearted towards us, but that our importance to the world has diminished. Our place in the world is not measured by the size of our population or our arsenal, but by the goods and services we export and import. India sits astride the busiest trade lanes of the world. All the sea and air traffic between the east and the west passes along its seaways and airways. But little of it originates or ends in India. It is my hope that this trade will not simply pass us by, and that we shall take our rightful share of it.

But the world outside cannot be forced to take our goods and services; it must be coaxed to do so. We have to produce the goods the world wants, up to the quality standards that it demands, with the techniques it finds acceptable. This is where we need not only to have knowledge of the world, but to use it in ways it recognises. Our country has imported technologies on a considerable scale. We have sent thousands abroad to be trained. But if we want to learn at home how people work and produce abroad, it is also possible to do so by letting people from abroad come and show us; and one way to get a live demonstration is to invite them to set up enterprises in India.

The idea of foreign direct investment generates considerable heat in our country. It is evident that there are large corporations in the world, and that they can play a role in the foreign policies of their home countries. One should not be unmindful of the possibility that their interests may conflict with our national interests. But their power should not be exaggerated; nor should our ability to protect our interests be belittled.

Building self-reliance The East India Company had acquired control of a large part of east-west trade by means of a control of trade routes, ports, centres of production and markets. No multinational corporation of today comes close to acquiring that kind of control. Further, the government today has more means and more knowledge to regulate the activities of foreign enterprises in the national interest. This is what independence means; this is what independence should be used for not for cutting ourselves off from the global production system, but to interact with it for our own benefit.

And worldwide, direct investment is not a monopoly of large transnational corporations; more often, it is small knowledge-intensive firms that make the most difference. For instance, small Japanese firms driven out of production by rising wages have gone to Malaysia and made it the world’s biggest exporter of rubber gloves. Italian shoemakers looking for new opportunities have provided the backbone of the highly successful Brazilian shoe exports. Mysore and its surroundings today produce some of the finest silks. The most expensive garment in the world is the Japanese silk kimono. Why should not Japanese pattern makers come and make kimonos out of Mysore silk?

For trade, technology and investment are not the only things the world can give us; there is a world full of knowledge outside. There are books, journals that inform and educate and with the ad vent of electronic communications, new means of knowledge are arising. The creation of knowledge is a global process involving universities, research institutes, industries and inventors.

We too can participate in this Process with enormous benefit. or much of this knowledge is available at costs far lower than we would incur to produce it, and the value that can be produced by using that knowledge is a vast multiple of the cost of the knowledge It is short-sighted to try import substitution in knowledge at whatever cost. It can do considerable harm to our technological dynamism. It can cut India off from the community of nations where know ledge grows in an ordered framework. The successful absorption, assimilation and adaptation of available knowledge is a critical aspect of development It is a necessary precursor to the stage where we can ourselves generate new knowledge. India needs a strong research and development base to emerge as a front-ranking nation in the world We must spend more on research and development. Our scientists and technologists ought to be provided with facilities comparable to those available abroad. But R&D must have a proper focus. We ought to pay particular attention to areas which have hitherto been neglected, where we cannot depend on foreigners to generate new knowledge and where new knowledge can make a major contribution to the enhancement of India’s developmental potential and the improvement of living conditions of our masses.

So how are we to regain our self- confidence, to restore our self-reliance? Self-reliance should not mean self-defeating withdrawal and futile confrontation; it should mean thinking for oneself. An essential element in restoring the spirit of self-reliance must be to change the policy environment which gave sanctified withdrawal and glorified confrontation, and to open our country again to the winds of change. Self-confidence comes from practice, from successful adaptation to change; for adaptation, change has to be invited into our country.

This is what we have been engaged in doing in our recent policy initiatives. The intention behind the initiatives is not to betray our nation, nor to weaken its resolve for creative self-reliance. It is to broaden the arena for our productive forces, to bring the best out of them by raising the level of challenge, to make our resources more productive and to distribute the fruits of that productivity more equitably.

But practice is helped by example, and action by resolve. For this leadership our nation will look to you, to young men and women whom it has educated at much cost. I would invite you I would challenge you to look at the world with frank and confident eyes, and to translate the lessons it holds into a better life for our people.