India on a Growth Spree Despite Global Hurdles: PM Modi Pushes Self-Reliance Vision

PM Modi highlighted that India’s defence forces prefer homegrown products and aim to cut reliance on imports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India continues to attract global attention with its economic growth, even amid worldwide disruptions and uncertainties. He underlined the country’s drive for self-reliance while inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) 2025.

During his speech, PM Modi spoke about the significance of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, insisting that any product that can be manufactured domestically should be made in India. He added that the government is working hard to simplify business rules, including decriminalising laws that previously penalised minor mistakes by entrepreneurs.

India now aims to produce everything “from chips to ships,” he said.

On supporting small businesses, Modi highlighted that nearly 25 lakh vendors and service providers supply goods to the government through the Government e Marketplace (GeM) portal.

“These are small shopkeepers and traders who can sell their products to the government. Earlier, this was unimaginable. Today, even small sellers can supply through this portal. India is steadily moving towards its vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047,” he said.

‘India’s defence forces want swadeshi’
The Prime Minister also stressed that India’s defence sector is increasingly seeking ‘swadeshi’ solutions to reduce dependence on foreign imports.

“We are building a dynamic defence ecosystem in India. Every component of our weapons will proudly bear ‘Made in India’. Uttar Pradesh is playing a key role in this journey,” Modi said.

He added, “Production of the AK-203 rifle will soon start in a factory set up with Russia’s collaboration. A defence corridor is under construction in Uttar Pradesh. Manufacturing of several weapons, including BrahMos missiles, has already begun.”

This year, Russia is the partner country at the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show. PM Modi mentioned that Russia’s participation reinforces the “time-tested partnership” between the two nations.

The Prime Minister’s self-reliance push comes at a time when India faces certain global trade challenges, including high tariffs from the United States and the hike in H-1B visa fees under President Donald Trump’s administration.