After U.S. Tariff Hike, Modi Stresses "Strong India" in Independence Day Speech

"From Fertilizers to EV Batteries, India Must Produce Everything Domestically"
Modi Calls for National Self-Reliance

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized a "strong India" and called for self-reliance during Independence Day, a move interpreted as a response to the United States, which has imposed high tariffs on India.

Indian Prime Minister Modi delivering Independence Day speech. Photo by AP and Yonhap News

According to major foreign media outlets, on the 78th anniversary of Independence Day on the 15th (local time), Prime Minister Modi delivered a speech in the capital city of New Delhi, stating that India must produce everything domestically, from fertilizers to jet engines and electric vehicle batteries. He said, "The most urgent task at hand is to reaffirm our commitment to building a strong India," urging merchants to display "Swadeshi" (Indian-made products) signs. "Swadeshi" refers to a movement promoting the use of domestic products, which Mahatma Gandhi launched in the early 1900s in opposition to British rule.

Prime Minister Modi added that Indian-made semiconductor chips will be released to the market by the end of this year, and that the government is also striving for self-sufficiency in critical minerals, with exploration underway at 1,200 sites.

Although Prime Minister Modi did not directly mention the United States or tariffs during his two-hour speech, he once again expressed his determination to protect the agricultural sector, a key issue in future trade negotiations with the U.S. He emphasized, "Farmers, fishermen, and livestock breeders are our top priority," and declared, "We will stand like a wall against any policy that threatens their interests." He added, "The Indian government will never compromise when it comes to protecting farmers' interests."

Prime Minister Modi had also previously emphasized, on August 7, that the welfare of farmers-his core support base-remains his top priority.

In April, the United States imposed a 26% reciprocal tariff on India. Since then, the two countries have held five rounds of negotiations but failed to reach an agreement, with differences remaining over reducing tariffs on American agricultural products and dairy, as well as India's continued purchase of Russian oil.

President Trump strongly criticized oil trade between India and Russia, announcing not only a reciprocal tariff of 25%-1% lower than before-but also additional sanctions, and stated that a total reciprocal tariff of 50% would be imposed on Indian products.

Prime Minister Modi also addressed Pakistan, with whom India has continued to have tensions since the armed conflict in May, stating, "We will not tolerate nuclear threats," and indicated that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty would remain in effect.

He said, "While India's rivers flow through enemy territory, our own farmers and land have suffered from water shortages," adding, "The Indian government will no longer allow blood and water to flow together."

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, included a provision that India would not block certain tributaries of the Indus River flowing from India to Pakistan.

However, as tensions with Pakistan escalated in early May, India suspended the implementation of this treaty, and the suspension has continued even after the ceasefire.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.