Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (UPSC 2022)
Globalisation and new technology reinforce each other in a world of scarce resources: global flows of capital, data and know-how speed innovation, while technology helps use land, water, energy and minerals more efficiently.
- Mutual linkage: Digital networks, AI, automation and clean-energy technologies diffuse through global markets; in turn, they raise productivity, reduce waste and improve resource management.
- Scarcity reshapes globalisation: Limited critical minerals, semiconductors, water and energy are pushing countries from pure free trade towards friend-shoring, technology alliances and strategic control over inputs.
- Technology as response: Precision farming, smart grids, recycling, green hydrogen, floating solar and urban mining can ease pressure on scarce resources and improve resilience.
| India: opportunities | India: constraints |
| Large digital market, strong IT base, growing renewable capacity, and policy push for semiconductors, critical minerals and green hydrogen. | Import dependence for chips and minerals, water stress, land scarcity, unequal access to advanced technology, and job disruption from automation. |
India must leverage global integration for technology access while building domestic capacity, skilling, R&D, renewable energy and secure supply chains to ensure sustainable growth and strategic autonomy.
Originally written on
September 3, 2026
and last modified on
September 3, 2026.
