Source: Reference News
According to a report on the website of Russia Today TV on September 21st, Indian Prime Minister Modi said that India's real enemy is not any country, but its dependence on foreign countries.
In a speech in Gujarat, Modi said that India is "moving forward with the attitude of becoming a global friend" and has no major rivals.
He said, “In the real sense, if we have enemies, that is dependence on other countries.”
Modi stressed that for India to prosperity and ensure "peace and stability", it must be self-sufficient. he called for increased domestic production and reduced dependence on the outside.
He said: “If we are left to others, our self-esteem will also be hurt ... we cannot risk the future of our generations.”
Specifically referring to the maritime sector, Modi urged the revival of domestic shipbuilding and high-tech industries. He noted that 50 years ago, Indian-built ships accounted for 40% of the country’s overseas trade, compared to just 5% today.
He said that India pays a large amount of money to foreign shipping companies every year, which is comparable to India's defense budget. He also noted that this dependency has taken a significant toll.
Modi said: “Whether it’s chips or ships, we need to be made in India.”