Question

Explain the changing patterns of the composition of India's import.

Hint:

India's import pattern shifted from food grains to petroleum, machinery, electronics, and precious metals as the economy diversified.

Answer 1

The composition of India’s imports has undergone significant changes over time due to industrial growth, technological advancement, and rising domestic demand.
Earlier Focus on Food Grains: In the initial decades after independence, India imported large quantities of food grains to meet domestic shortages.
Increase in Petroleum Products: With industrialisation and growing transportation needs, the import of crude oil and petroleum products has increased significantly.
Capital Goods and Machinery: As manufacturing expanded, imports of heavy machinery, tools, and capital goods increased.
Electronics and Technology: In recent years, India imports a large volume of electronic goods, including mobile phones, semiconductors, and computers.
Precious Metals: Gold and silver imports have grown due to cultural demand and investment preferences. These shifts reflect the transformation of India’s economy from an agrarian base to an industrial and service-oriented structure.