NEW DELHI, August 15 — Standing tall against the historic backdrop of New Delhi’s Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked India’s Independence Day with a rallying call for self-reliance — in both energy and defence — declaring that the nation will protect its interests “like a wall.”
It was a symbolic moment. As military helicopters soared overhead, scattering petals over the gathered crowd, Modi’s message resonated: India must stand on its own feet to truly be free.
“Self-reliance is the foundation of a developed India,” he said, stressing that freedom loses its meaning when a country becomes too dependent on others.
This year’s address came at a delicate time for India, with Washington threatening to double tariffs from 25% to 50% by August 27 if New Delhi does not reduce its purchase of Russian oil — a lifeline for Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict. The US ultimatum follows India’s stated willingness to support peace efforts, including a planned summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Modi acknowledged that India still relies on other nations to meet its energy needs, but set a bold vision: “To build a truly self-reliant India, we must achieve energy independence.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in his Independence Day message, called India-US relations “consequential and far-reaching,” emphasizing a shared vision for a brighter future.
Innovation and Defence Power
Turning to technology and defence, Modi urged scientists and engineers to push boundaries in areas like fighter jet engines, semiconductor chips, and advanced military systems. He promised India-made semiconductor chips by year’s end and revealed plans for a space station and a national “defence shield” within the next decade.
He also paid tribute to the armed forces, recalling their recent four-day conflict with Pakistan that ended in a ceasefire. In a pointed statement, Modi reiterated New Delhi’s position on its water treaty with Pakistan: “Blood and water will not flow together.”
Protecting Farmers, Defending Interests
Without naming Trump directly, Modi made it clear he would oppose any foreign policy that harms Indian farmers — a vital sector for the country’s economy and a sticking point in trade talks.
“When economic selfishness is rising day by day, we cannot just sit and worry about the crisis,” Modi said. “We must focus on our strengths.”
His words, mixing pride with resolve, were both a celebration of independence and a reminder that the fight for true sovereignty continues — not just on the borders, but in the economy, energy, and innovation labs of India.
