September 20, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a fiery speech in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar at the thrilling 'Samudra se Samriddhi' event on Saturday. He declared loud and clear that the biggest enemy India faces is not a nation, but its own dependence on others! Modi urged everyone, “Whether it is chips or ships, they must be made in India.” This call for self-reliance comes at a dramatic time. Just a day before, US President Donald Trump announced a shocking $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants from September 21. Since Indians take home a whopping 71% of these visas, this move hits India hard. Plus, the US still keeps a 50% tariff wall on Indian imports. Against these global twists, Modi’s message shines bright – Grow strong, or get left behind! At Bhavnagar, Modi celebrated the nation's maritime dreams by inaugurating and starting projects worth a dazzling ₹34,200 crore! From new container terminals in Kolkata and Paradip ports to cutting-edge firefighting and road upgrades in Ennore, and sea-wall defenses at Chennai and Car Nicobar, he painted a grand picture of India rising by the sea. Modi also launched Gujarat’s big-ticket ventures including the HPLNG Regasification Terminal, solar power projects like the 600 MW Green Shoe Initiative, and solarizing Dhordo village. He checked in on the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, a ₹4,500 crore jewel preserving India's ocean history. His booming declaration was clear: India, home to 140 crore souls, must unite in the massive mission of self-reliance. From tiny chips that power gadgets to gigantic ships slicing through oceans, the mantra must be "Made in India." Currently, India handles 10% of global maritime trade, but Modi promises to triple that number by 2047, transforming the nation into a global sea superpower. With a sparkle of pride and a dash of determination, Modi’s vision is alive – sail high, India, sail proud!

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Tags: Prime minister narendra modi, Self-reliance, Samudra se samriddhi, H-1b visa, India-us relations, Maritime trade,