Prime Minister Modi unexpectedly names India's 'real enemy'.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that his country's real enemy is not another nation, but rather its dependence on foreign powers. He warned that relying on other countries would harm the economy and national pride.
Speaking at an event in Gujarat, where he launched maritime projects worth over $40 billion, Prime Minister Modi said that India is “moving forward in the spirit of being a global friend” and has no major rivals.
"In the truest sense, if we have any enemies, it is our dependence on other countries," he added.
Modi emphasized that India must be self-reliant to achieve prosperity and ensure "peace and stability." He called for boosting domestic production and reducing dependence on external sources.
"As long as we continue to rely on the pity of others, our self-respect will be damaged... We cannot entrust the future of future generations to others," he stated.
To clarify his position, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the maritime sector, calling for the revival of the domestic shipbuilding industry and high-tech industries. He noted that five decades ago, 40% of India's trade was transported by Indian ships, compared to only 5% today.
He stated that the billions of dollars paid annually to foreign shipping companies now rival the country's defense budget, adding that this dependence has caused significant damage.
"Whether it's chips or ships, we need to manufacture them in India," Modi declared.
Prime Minister Modi's remarks come amid escalating trade tensions with the US. Last month, Washington imposed a 25% tariff on most Indian imports for allegedly purchasing Russian oil, in addition to tariffs already in place after trade talks collapsed in August.
The White House also announced a new annual fee of $100,000 for H-1B visa applications, a move that industry group Nasscom says will target skilled Indian workers.