04/06/2026
*Slogans Cannot Replace Science: Climate Report Raises Serious Questions for the Modi Government*
*Statement by Ameena Ismath*
*National Organising Committee Member, Young Democrats*
The latest climate science report warning that India is steadily losing its capacity to design, build, and maintain its own scientific instruments raises serious questions about the Modi Government's much-publicized claims of self-reliance.
At a time when India is facing worsening heatwaves, erratic monsoons, and other climate-related challenges, scientists have pointed to growing dependence on imported equipment and the weakening of domestic research capabilities. This is not merely a scientific concern—it is a policy failure with far-reaching consequences.
While the government continues to market the slogan of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the reality is that India's scientific institutions are struggling with inadequate support, bureaucratic hurdles, and declining indigenous capacity. A nation aspiring to global leadership cannot afford to neglect its scientific foundations.
The erosion of domestic scientific capabilities undermines India's ability to effectively respond to the climate crisis and weakens the country's long-term technological and strategic independence. Scientific progress requires sustained investment, institutional autonomy, and a policy environment that values evidence over publicity.
Young Democrats call upon the Union Government to substantially increase investment in scientific research, strengthen indigenous technological development, support public research institutions, and ensure that climate policy is guided by credible, high-quality scientific data.
India's future cannot be built on slogans alone. It requires a genuine commitment to science, innovation, and public investment.
