Affordable but powerful': PM Modi calls for self-reliant manufacturing to power exports amid tariff tensions

In his 12th Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that India must focus on high-quality, affordable products with the mantra “Daam kam, dum zyaada”. He insisted that the country's manufacturing sector should be robust and self-reliant.

While delivering his address to the nation from Red Fort, the Prime Minister warned that excessive dependence on others could undermine the nation’s sovereignty and resilience. “Those who rely too much on others invite a big question mark over their freedom,” he said, adding, “The real misfortune begins when dependence becomes a habit, and without even realising it, we stop being self-reliant and start depending on someone else. This habit is not without risks, which is why we must remain constantly vigilant to stay self-reliant.”

The prime minister maintained that self-reliance goes beyond imports, exports, or currency exchange. “It is tied to our capabilities. When self-reliance begins to erode, so does our strength. To preserve, maintain, and enhance our capabilities, self-reliance is essential.”

PM Modi went on to urge Indians to focus on growth

PM Modi's remarks about the country's manufacturing sector came amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and India, which escalated after Washington imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods. In his Independence Day speech, the prime minister insisted that India should focus on its growth.

More from India

“We should not waste our energy trying to shorten someone else’s line. We must extend our own line with full energy. The world will respect our strength. In the current global scenario, where economic self-interest is increasing day by day, the need of the hour is not to sit and cry over crises but to boldly extend our own line,” he said.

“The world values quality, and if we want to strengthen India's image in the global market, we must focus on producing high-quality products. We should work with the mantra: ‘Daam kam, dum zyada’, lower cost, higher value. Our independence came through immense sacrifice,” he added.