India's Modi vows self-reliance in defense, energy amid US tariffs
Iran Press TV
Friday, 15 August 2025 10:56 AM
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to defend his country "like a wall" amid US tariff threats, stressing India's push for self-reliance in energy and defense capabilities.
He addressed his nation during the 78th annual Independence Day celebrations on Friday in New Delhi's Red Fort, pledging commitment to his country's self-reliance in energy independence and the development of its own defense systems.
"Self-reliance is the foundation of developed India. We know that we remain dependent on many countries to meet our energy needs... Freedom becomes meaningless if someone becomes too dependent on others," said Modi.
Tensions between the two countries have grown in recent months as the Trump administration warns India to halt imports of Russian crude or face punitive measures. Washington has given New Delhi until August 27 to comply or face a doubling of tariffs on certain Indian exports from 25% to 50%.
India has been one of the top buyers of Russian oil, arguing the purchases are vital to meet the needs of its 1.4 billion people and to cushion its economy from global price shocks.
Despite Modi's efforts to cultivate ties with Washington since Donald Trump took office in January—and his endorsement of a Trump summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska—the tariff threat is seen as the US president's transactional and unilateral style in foreign policy.
Trump has pursued similar hardline tactics with other allies, from Europe to East Asia, pressing them on trade, defense spending, and energy choices.
Modi stressed India's push to develop its own defense and technology sectors, urging scientists and engineers to focus on building fighter jet engines, semiconductor chips, and advanced military hardware.
"We will have India-made semiconductor chips in the market by the year's end," he said, adding that India was also planning to construct its own space station and a "defense shield" within the next decade.
He also emphasized defending the interests of Indian farmers, a sector employing hundreds of millions and long a sticking point in US-India trade talks.
"When economic selfishness is rising day by day... we must not just sit and worry about the crisis but instead focus on our strengths," he said.
Despite the tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended Independence Day greetings to Modi, describing U.S.-India ties as "consequential and far-reaching" and expressing hope to "ensure a brighter future for both."
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