Modi Calls for India to Be More Self-Reliant Amid US Trade Conflict

He Also Vows to Protect Farmers and Plans to Cut GST to Boost Consumption

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NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the country on Aug 15 to move towards more self-reliance, manufacture everything from fertilisers to jet engines and EV batteries, and vowed to protect farmers in the face of a trade conflict with Washington.

With the punishing tariffs imposed on Indian exports by US President Donald Trump expected to hurt growth in the world's fastest-growing major economy, Mr Modi announced lower goods and services taxes (GST) from October—a move that could help boost consumption.

He also announced the setting up of a new defence system called Sudarshan Chakra, in the aftermath of India's four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May.

He did not elaborate, but a government statement said the system is aimed at neutralising enemy infiltrations and enhancing India's offensive capabilities.

Indian defence and policy circles have informally referred to the Russian S-400 air defence system—which played a key role during the fighting with Pakistan—as Sudarshan Chakra, after a Hindu mythological weapon.

Mr Modi was addressing the nation on the occasion of its Independence Day at a time when New Delhi has been struggling with Mr Trump's tariffs and the collapse of trade talks, largely due to differences over imports of American farm and dairy products.