Modi says India weathered West Asia crisis after decade of planning in Independence Day address

Modi Highlights Self-Reliance

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address on Saturday to argue that the West Asia crisis had shown the importance of self-reliance, saying years of preparation had helped India avoid feared shortages of fuel, gas and fertilisers.

Speaking from the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, Modi said predictions of severe shortages during the crisis had not materialised.

“Some people were enjoying spreading false rumours across the whole world, scaring and worrying the people of India, but the nation realised that the well-thought-out plans of the past 10-12 years are yielding results, and despite such a big crisis,” Modi said.

“India took one step after another in its preparations, without thinking that such a crisis would come, but during that crisis, all these measures proved useful, and today the country also has gas. There is petrol and urea; we are standing and advancing on our own strength,” he added.

Global Supply Chain Warning

Modi also warned that globalisation was under growing pressure, accusing some countries of ‘weaponising resources’ including fuel, fertilisers, medicines and technology.

The Indian leader also renewed his push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, arguing that stronger domestic capabilities were needed to protect the country from geopolitical shocks and disruptions to global supply chains.

Furthermore, Modi pointed to India’s nuclear programme, saying advances in fast breeder reactor technology marked another step towards greater energy independence.

India’s Energy Strategy

“This year, India has reached a significant milestone by mastering fast breeder nuclear technology, which has crossed it, and as a result, we have taken a significant step towards becoming self-reliant in nuclear fuel,” he continued.

India remains heavily dependent on imported energy, sourcing close to 90 per cent of its crude oil from abroad, leaving the economy exposed to disruptions in global energy markets.

The government has sought to reduce that vulnerability by diversifying energy imports, expanding domestic oil and gas exploration and investing in nuclear power, renewable energy and other strategic sectors.

PMO India, via Viory.Video