The prime minister warned that reliance on other nations is detrimental to the national economy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country's true enemy is not another nation but dependence on foreign powers.

Speaking at an event in Gujarat, where he launched maritime projects worth over $40 billion, Modi said India is "progressing with the sentiment of being a global friend" and has no major adversaries.

"In the true sense, if we have any enemy, it is the dependence on other countries," he added.

Modi emphasized that India must be self-reliant to achieve prosperity and ensure "peace and stability." He called for boosting domestic production and reducing external dependence.

"Till we remain at the mercy of others, our self-respect will also be hurt... We cannot risk our future generations on others," he said.

Highlighting the maritime sector, Modi urged a revival of domestic shipbuilding and high-tech industries. He noted that five decades ago, 40% of India's trade was carried on Indian ships, compared with just 5% today. The billions of dollars paid annually to foreign shipping companies now rival the country's defense budget, he said, adding that this reliance has already caused significant harm.

"Whether chips or ships, we need to make them in India," he said.

Modi's remarks come amid rising trade tensions with the US. Last month, Washington imposed a 25% tariff on most Indian imports over Russian oil purchases, in addition to duties introduced after trade talks collapsed in August. The White House also announced a new $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, a move industry group Nasscom said would target skilled Indian workers.