New Delhi, August 15, 2025: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address on Friday to pledge energy self-reliance and the development of homegrown defence technologies, vowing to safeguard the nation’s interests “like a wall” amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.
Speaking from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, Modi said “self-reliance is the foundation of a developed India” and warned that “freedom becomes meaningless if someone becomes too dependent on others.” His speech came against the backdrop of U.S. threats to double import tariffs on Indian goods — from 25% to 50% — by August 27 if New Delhi does not end crude oil imports from Russia.
The U.S. ultimatum follows Washington’s efforts to cut Moscow’s revenue as it continues its war in Ukraine. India, the world’s fifth-largest economy and most populous nation, has so far resisted the pressure, maintaining that it “stands ready” to support peace efforts and endorsing a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.
Acknowledging India’s heavy reliance on foreign energy, Modi called for a national push towards “energy independence” and urged scientists and engineers to prioritise key sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, fighter jet engines, and advanced military hardware. “We will have India-made semiconductor chips in the market by the year’s end,” he announced.
The prime minister also revealed plans for India to build its own space station and develop a “defence shield” within the next decade, though he provided no specifics.
While avoiding direct reference to President Trump, Modi took a firm stance on protecting India’s agricultural sector, a contentious issue in trade talks. “I will stand like a wall against any policy that hurts the interests of farmers,” he said.
Highlighting the need for resilience amid what he described as “rising economic selfishness” worldwide, Modi urged the nation to focus on its strengths rather than dwell on crises.
