'Our biggest enemy is dependence on other countries' - Modi pushes for self-reliant India: Video
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, September 20, described India’s dependence on foreign nations as the country’s “biggest enemy,” calling for greater self-reliance as both an economic necessity and a national security priority.
Speaking in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several projects, Modi cautioned that external dependence weakens India’s future.
“We have no big enemies in the world in the true sense. If we have any enemy, it is our dependence on other countries. This is our biggest enemy,” he said. “The enemy must be defeated. We always have to repeat this. The more foreign dependence, the greater the failure of the country.”
He urged collective action to reduce this vulnerability, framing self-reliance as a pillar of national strength rather than merely an economic plan. Modi’s remarks come at a tense moment in India–U.S. relations, with trade and energy policies at the centre of dispute.
Washington recently imposed a 25% reciprocal duty on Indian goods from August 7, followed by an additional 25% penalty tariff beginning August 27 — a direct response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
New Delhi has defended its stance, insisting that it will secure the “best deal” on oil to protect its citizens’ interests. Indian officials have accused Washington of double standards, pointing to ongoing U.S. imports of Russian chemicals and fertilisers, allegations rejected by President Donald Trump.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
