What was the primary motive of the colonial government behind the policy of de-industrializing India?

To reduce India to a mere exporter of raw materials

Under colonial rule, India faced challenges in developing a strong industrial foundation, similar to its struggles in the agricultural sector. While the country's renowned handicraft industries experienced decline, no corresponding modern industrial base was allowed to emerge to replace them. The colonial government pursued a two-fold motive in systematically de-industrializing India. Firstly, it aimed to reduce India to a mere exporter of raw materials for the growing modern industries in Britain. Secondly, it sought to transform India into a vast market for the finished products of those industries, ensuring maximum benefit for Britain.