Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address from New Delhi’s Red Fort to call for self-reliance in energy and defence, pledging to protect the country’s economic and agricultural interests “like a wall” as trade tensions with the United States escalate.
The speech came as Washington warned it will double import tariffs on Indian goods from 25 to 50 per cent by August 27 unless New Delhi halts purchases of Russian oil. Modi avoided naming U.S. President Donald Trump directly but said India would not bow to policies that harm its farmers, a powerful political bloc.
“Self-reliance is the foundation of a developed India,” Modi said, urging a push toward energy independence and technological advancement. He called on scientists and engineers to focus on critical sectors such as fighter jet engines, semiconductor manufacturing, and military hardware, announcing that India-made semiconductor chips will hit the market by year’s end. Modi also revealed plans for a future space station and a “defence shield” within the next decade.
Ties between India and the U.S. have been strained over oil imports from Russia, though India has expressed readiness to support efforts to end the Ukraine war and has backed the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska later today.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a message marking India’s Independence Day, described bilateral relations as “consequential and far-reaching” and expressed hope for “a brighter future for both” nations.