On the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of self-reliance, or aatmanirbharta, as the foundation for India’s strategic autonomy. In a world where global interdependence is often used as leverage, India needs strong domestic capabilities in technology, industry, and defence to reduce dependence on others. Modi’s speech emphasized that sovereignty today is more than diplomacy—it also depends on competitiveness at home, resilient institutions, and technological strength.
The Prime Minister pointed to global economic pressures, such as new US tariffs on Indian exports and criticism over India’s energy ties with Russia. These examples show how economic tools are increasingly used for geopolitical influence. India also faces regional challenges, including cross-border terrorism, nuclear threats, and technology restrictions. To navigate these challenges, Modi stressed that building internal capacity and reducing vulnerability are essential steps toward strategic autonomy.
Modi’s speech outlined several reforms aimed at boosting India’s economy and improving its global competitiveness. These include simplifying direct taxes, introducing a second generation of GST reforms, removing outdated regulations, and establishing a Next-Generation Reforms Task Force. These measures aim to lower transaction costs, increase predictability for businesses, and make India a reliable hub for production in global supply chains.
Economic experts have long argued that targeted industrial policy can strengthen national resilience. By supporting key sectors through well-planned policies and partnerships with private firms, India can enhance productivity and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. For example, the Prime Minister’s reference to Operation Sindoor and the Sudarshan Chakra Mission highlights how domestic defence projects can support both security and innovation. These efforts align with global trends, where countries like the US and the EU combine research support, manufacturing incentives, and supply chain security to protect strategic industries.
Infrastructure and logistics are also critical to India’s strategic autonomy. Improving transport networks and reducing logistics costs will make India more competitive in global markets. Similarly, faster and more predictable contract enforcement is necessary to build investor confidence. Without strong logistics and legal systems, even the best reforms will have limited impact on India’s global position.
Technology sovereignty was another focus of Modi’s address. India has begun approving projects in semiconductor fabrication, advanced packaging, and compound semiconductors. To make these initiatives successful, the government must ensure long-term demand through government and private sector procurement, provide design support, and secure essential inputs like power, process gases, and ultrapure water. These steps will help India move from announcements to economically viable production.
Energy security and access to critical minerals are equally important. India is expanding nuclear energy capacity and exploring green hydrogen production to support industrial growth and reduce dependence on imports. Similarly, securing rare earth minerals and establishing domestic recycling and refining capabilities will protect India from global supply shocks. By combining domestic and overseas resources, India can strengthen resilience while supporting long-term industrial growth.
Modi’s vision also emphasizes protection against “weaponized interdependence,” where other countries use their control over finance, technology, or critical resources to influence India’s policies. By diversifying supply chains, climbing the value chain, and building strong institutions, India can reduce vulnerabilities and maintain its policy space.
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The Prime Minister suggested linking reforms to clear performance indicators. For example, monitoring logistics efficiency, power reliability, and court timelines can ensure that reforms have practical impact. Defence and public procurement can also act as markets for capability building, with long-term orders encouraging private sector innovation.
For emerging technologies like semiconductors and artificial intelligence, India can establish shared national infrastructure to support startups and research, while maintaining open and secure policies. In minerals, combining overseas equity investments with domestic processing will ensure that resources serve India’s needs rather than being exported in raw form.
Modi’s speech made it clear that autonomy is not about isolation—it is about preparedness and resilience. Laws, institutions, infrastructure, technology, and energy systems must work together to reduce dependence and protect India’s strategic interests. By embedding self-reliance into policy, India aims to convert aatmanirbharta from a slogan into a measurable foundation for strategic autonomy.
In conclusion, Modi’s Independence Day address reinforced the need for India to strengthen its domestic capabilities while engaging globally. Strategic autonomy requires action across economy, technology, energy, and defence. If executed effectively, these reforms can position India as a resilient, self-reliant nation capable of defending its sovereignty and pursuing growth in a complex and interconnected world.
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