India's real enemy is "dependence on other countries", says PM Modi as he emphasises to become Aatmanirbhar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India's "real enemy" is its dependence on other countries, while addressing a rally in Gujarat's Bhavnagar on Saturday. He emphasised the need to become self-reliant, which will ensure the nation's strength as well as global respect. 

PM Modi said, "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." 

Elaborating on the need for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), which is linked to the national pride and future of the country, the PM added, "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 Aatmanirbhar." 

#WATCH | Gujarat | Addressing a public rally in Bhavnagar, PM Modi says, "Duniya mein koi hamara bada dushman nahi hai. Agar hamara koi dushman hai toh woh hai dusre deshon par hamari nirbharta..."

"Today, India is moving forward with the spirit of 'Vishwabandhu'. We have no… pic.twitter.com/f6zNRbN9Rc

— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2025

His remarks came against the backdrop of the rising concerns over the effect of US policies on India, as US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a $1,00,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions, which will be effective from September 21. India accounts for a 71% share of all H-1B visa holders, expected to be the worst hit. Moreover, there is no resolution yet to the 50% tariffs imposed on Indian imports by US.

Reiterating his call for self-reliance, PM Modi said, "If we remain dependent on others, our self-respect will be hurt. We cannot leave the future of 1.4 billion countrymen to others. There is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows, and that is a self-reliant India." 

During his visit to Bhavnagar, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for multiple projects worth Rs 34,200 crore. Later on, he will also inaugurate the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock.