In the question given below there are 2 statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Choose the correct alternative from the following options.
Assertion (A)- India focused more on self reliance post independence.
Reason (R)- India was under colonial rule for around 200 years which had resulted in the destruction of its economy.

Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Assertion (A): India focused more on self-reliance post-independence. - This statement is TRUE. There was a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency in India's economic policies after achieving independence in 1947.

Reason (R): India was under colonial rule for around 200 years which had resulted in the destruction of its economy. - This statement is also TRUE. British colonial rule did have a negative impact on the Indian economy. However, the destruction caused by colonialism is not the sole reason for India's focus on self-reliance post-independence.

Self-reliance: A nation can promote economic growth and modernisation by using its own resources or by using resources imported from other nations. The first seven five year plans gave importance to self-reliance which means avoiding imports of those goods which could be produced in India itself. This policy was considered a necessity in order to reduce our dependence on foreign countries, especially for food. Further, it was feared that dependence on imported food supplies, foreign technology and foreign capital may make India’s sovereignty vulnerable to foreign interference in our policies.