Indian PM Modi Vows Self-Reliance in Energy and Defence
The speech comes as tensions rise between New Delhi and Washington over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, a key source of revenue for Moscow during its war in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has given India until August 27 to halt such imports or face a doubling of tariffs on Indian goods—from 25% to 50%.
Modi acknowledged India’s reliance on foreign energy but stressed that achieving energy independence is essential. He refrained from naming Trump directly but said he would resist any policy harming Indian farmers, a sector that employs hundreds of millions and remains a political priority. Trade talks between the two countries have long been complicated by disputes over agriculture and market access.
Calling on scientists and engineers to focus on building advanced technologies domestically, Modi announced that India-made semiconductor chips would hit the market by year’s end. He also revealed ambitious plans for an Indian space station and a national “defence shield” within the next decade, alongside the development of indigenous fighter jet engines and military hardware systems.
While relations between India and the US face strain, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the partnership as “consequential and far-reaching” in his Independence Day message. Meanwhile, India has expressed readiness to support peace efforts in Ukraine and has endorsed today’s planned summit in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Modi’s address signaled a clear direction for India’s future—strengthening national capabilities, reducing dependence on foreign powers, and prioritizing the defence of key industries. Whether these goals can be achieved amid looming US tariffs remains uncertain, but his message left no doubt that self-reliance will remain at the core of his vision for the nation.
