PM Narendra Modi used his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort to send a strong message about self-reliance. He said it is the foundation of India’s strength and freedom. His remarks came during a time of growing trade tensions with the United States, after Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods.
PM Modi called on the nation to produce goods that are both high in quality and low in cost, using the phrase “Daam kam, dum zyaada.” He warned that depending too much on others can weaken the country. For him, self-reliance is not just about imports or exports, but about building India’s abilities.
Dependence Can Weaken Freedom
PM Modi explained that when a country relies too much on others, it risks losing its independence. “Those who rely too much on others invite a big question mark over their freedom,” he said. He warned that dependence can quietly turn into a habit.
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If that happens, the country’s strength slowly fades. He urged India to break away from this habit to stay strong and secure.
Beyond Money & Trade
PM Modi made it very clear that self-reliance is more than just a matter of trade or currency. It is about what the country can do on its own and how it can improve those abilities. When self-reliance goes down, national strength also drops.
PM Modi said India must protect and grow its skills, industries, and resources to maintain its position in the world.
Focus on Building, Not Competing
PM Modi also said India should focus on making itself stronger instead of trying to pull others down. “We should not waste our energy trying to shorten someone else’s line. We must extend our line with full energy,” he explained.
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According to him, the world will respect a country that is strong on its own. With nations putting their economic interests first, India needs to act with courage and strengthen its capabilities.
Quality and Value for the World
Modi stressed that India must make products that the world sees as high-quality and worth buying. He urged businesses to follow the rule of “Daam kam, dum zyaada” — meaning lower cost, higher value.
He said this will improve India’s image in the global market. He also reminded the nation that independence came through the sacrifices of freedom fighters, and keeping the country economically strong is part of honouring that sacrifice.
