Modi Says Foreign Dependence Is India’s Real Enemy

(MENAFN) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India’s biggest challenge is not a foreign nation but its reliance on external powers. Speaking at a high-profile event in Gujarat launching over $40 billion in maritime initiatives, Modi stressed that India is “progressing with the sentiment of being a global friend” and faces no significant enemies abroad.

“In the true sense, if we have any enemy, it is dependence on other countries,” he said.

Modi underscored the critical need for self-reliance to secure India’s prosperity, peace, and stability. He urged a ramp-up in domestic manufacturing and a sharp reduction in foreign reliance. “If we remain at the mercy of others, our self-respect will also be hurt… We cannot risk our future generations on others,” he warned.

Focusing on the maritime sector, Modi called for a revival of India’s shipbuilding and high-tech industries. He pointed out that five decades ago, Indian vessels accounted for 40% of the country’s overseas trade, a figure that has plummeted to just 5% today.

“The billions of dollars paid annually to foreign shipping companies now rival the country’s defense budget,” Modi said, stressing the economic harm caused by this dependence. “Whether chips or ships, we need to make them in India,” he declared.

Modi’s remarks come amid escalating trade tensions with the United States. Last month, Washington imposed a 25% tariff on most Indian imports linked to Russian oil purchases, adding to duties introduced after stalled negotiations in August. The White House also unveiled a new $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, a move the IT industry body Nasscom says targets skilled Indian workers.

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