Self-reliance pitched amid US tariff woes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said yesterday that India is seeking self-reliance in energy independence and the development of its own powerful defence systems, vowing to defend his country’s interests “like a wall”.

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Mr Modi delivered his annual Independence Day address from the imposing ramparts of New Delhi's Red Fort at a time when India faces intense pressure and threats of additional tariffs from the United States.

“Self-reliance is the foundation of developed India,” Mr Modi said after a flypast of military helicopters scattered flower petals above an invited crowd of thousands.

“Freedom becomes meaningless if someone becomes too dependent on others”.

Ties between New Delhi and Washington have been strained by Mr Trump’s ultimatum that India end its purchases of Russian oil, a key source of revenue for Moscow as it wages its military offensive in Ukraine.