"This Is Our Biggest Enemy": PM Modi Stresses Self-Reliance Amid H-1B Fee Hike, Tariff Concerns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (20 September) highlighted India’s dependence on other countries as its “real enemy,” urging self-reliance to strengthen the nation and secure global respect, the Hindustan Times reported.

“We have no major enemy in the world. Our only real enemy is our dependence on other countries. This is our biggest enemy, and together we must defeat this enemy of India, the enemy of dependence,” Modi said during a public address in Bhavnagar.

He linked self-reliance, or Atmanirbharta, to national pride and future stability, adding, “The greater the foreign dependence, the greater the nation’s failure. For global peace, stability, and prosperity, the country with the world's largest population must become Atmanirbhar.”

The remarks come amid rising concerns over US policies affecting India. On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, effective 21 September.

India, which accounts for 71 per cent of H-1B holders, is expected to be hit hardest. The country also continues to face 50 per cent tariffs on imports imposed by the US.

Modi emphasised that dependence on foreign nations can undermine self-respect and the future of India’s 1.4 billion citizens. “If we remain dependent on others, our self-respect will be hurt. We cannot leave the future of 1.4 billion countrymen to others,” he said, adding, “There is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows, and that is a self-reliant India.”

Taking aim at the Opposition, Modi criticised Congress for mismanaging India’s shipping sector. “Instead of focusing on shipbuilding in India, they prioritised paying rent to foreign ships. The shipbuilding ecosystem collapsed in India. We became dependent on foreign ships for 90 per cent of our trade,” he said.

He added that India now spends about $75 billion (around Rs 6 lakh crore) annually on foreign shipping, nearly equal to the country’s defence budget.

During his visit to Gujarat, Modi also laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 34,200 crore and will inaugurate the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock.

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