PM Modi Calls Dependence on Foreign Nations India’s ‘Real Enemy,’ Stresses Atmanirbharta Amid Global Challenges

Bhavnagar/Mumbai, September 20, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday declared that India’s “real enemy” is not another nation, but its own dependence on foreign countries. Emphasizing the urgent need for self-reliance, he linked Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) to national pride, global peace, and the future security of 1.4 billion Indians.

“We have no major enemy in the world. Our only real enemy is dependence on others. The greater a nation’s foreign dependence, the greater its risk of failure. For peace, stability, and prosperity in the world, the country with the world’s largest population must become Atmanirbhar,” Modi told a gathering in Bhavnagar.

His remarks come against the backdrop of tightening U.S. trade and visa policies that are expected to significantly impact India. On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, effective September 21, hitting Indian IT professionals particularly hard. Washington has also maintained 50% tariffs on Indian imports, with no relief in sight.

#WATCH | Gujarat | Addressing a public rally in Bhavnagar, PM Modi says, "Duniya mein koi hamara bada dushman nahi hai. Agar hamara koi dushman hai toh woh hai dusre deshon par hamari nirbharta..."

"Today, India is moving forward with the spirit of 'Vishwabandhu'. We have no… pic.twitter.com/f6zNRbN9Rc

— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2025

Linking self-reliance to self-respect, Modi cautioned, “If we remain dependent on others, our self-respect will be hurt. We cannot leave the future of coming generations in the hands of others. There is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows — a self-reliant India.”

Turning his fire on the Opposition, Modi accused the Congress party of systematically undermining India’s shipbuilding sector. He said misplaced priorities, including reliance on foreign vessels, had led to the collapse of the domestic shipping ecosystem. “Instead of building ships in India, they chose to pay rent to foreign vessels. Today, 90% of our trade depends on foreign ships,” Modi charged.

The Prime Minister highlighted that India now spends nearly ₹6 lakh crore (about $75 billion) annually on foreign shipping services — an amount almost equal to the country’s defence budget.

During his visit, Modi laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹34,200 crore in Gujarat. Later today, he will also inaugurate the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock, a flagship project under the government’s push to modernize maritime infrastructure.