What was the primary focus of India's strategy for 'economic development' during the period after independence?

Import-substitution

While India tirelessly sought to persuade fellow developing nations to embrace the non-aligned stance, Pakistan took a different path by aligning itself with US-led military alliances. The United States viewed India's independent initiatives and non-alignment policy with dissatisfaction, leading to notable tension in Indo-US relations throughout the 1950s. Additionally, the US harboured resentment towards India's deepening alliance with the Soviet Union.

India's approach to achieving planned economic development was centered on import-substitution.  This strategy not only underscored the creation of a domestic resource base but also imposed restrictions on export-driven growth. Consequently, this developmental approach curtailed India's level of economic interaction with the international community.