**Our Real Enemy is Dependence on Other Countries: Modi**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 20, 2025, 04:50 pm*
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday underscored the critical importance of self-reliance for India, framing it as a matter of national pride and the country’s future. Speaking at a public event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, he stated, “We have no major enemy in the world. Our only real enemy is our dependence on other countries.”
### National Strength Tied to Self-Reliance
Modi emphasized that “the greater the foreign dependence, the greater the nation’s failure.” He affirmed that self-reliance is essential to maintaining global peace and prosperity. His remarks come against the backdrop of recent developments in U.S. policy that directly affect India.
### Impact of U.S. Policies on India
On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, effective from September 21. India stands to be one of the worst affected countries, as it accounts for 71% of H-1B visa holders. Additionally, India continues to grapple with the fallout from 50% tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Indian imports.
### Economic Independence: From Chips to Ships
Highlighting the need for complete economic independence, PM Modi declared, “From chips to ships, we must make everything.” This call to action urges India to strengthen its manufacturing base across sectors to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
### Maritime Sector and Trade Reforms
Modi pointed out the strategic importance of India’s ports, describing them as “the backbone of our nation’s rise as a global maritime powerhouse.” He announced key reforms, including the “One Nation, One Document” initiative, aimed at simplifying and facilitating trade through Indian ports.
### Criticism of Previous Governments
The Prime Minister criticized earlier Congress-led governments for hampering India’s growth by enforcing restrictive policies like the license raj, which stifled talent and innovation.
### Progress in Defense Self-Reliance
India’s strides in defense manufacturing also featured prominently in Modi’s speech. He highlighted the indigenous development of INS Vikrant, India’s aircraft carrier, as a testament to the country’s growing self-reliance. “More than 40 ships and submarines have been introduced, and except for a few, all of them have been made in India,” he said.
Modi further pointed out the high costs associated with shipping goods via foreign companies, noting that these expenses are nearly equal to India’s entire defense budget.
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With a strong focus on self-reliance, Prime Minister Modi’s address showcases India’s ambitions to reduce foreign dependence, boost domestic manufacturing, and assert itself as a burgeoning global economic and maritime power.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/dependence-on-other-countries-is-india-s-biggest-enemy-pm-modi/story