Faced with US tariffs, Indian Prime Minister Modi vows self-reliance.

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his country seeks energy independence and self-reliance in developing its own powerful defence system, vowing to defend its interests “like a wall”.

Modi delivered his annual Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi at a time when India is facing intense pressure and threats of additional tariffs from the United States.

“Self-reliance is the foundation of a developed India,” Modi said as he showered flower petals on a crowd of thousands invited after a flypast by military helicopters. “Independence becomes meaningless if one becomes too dependent on others.”

Ties between New Delhi and Washington have been strained by Trump’s ultimatum that India end purchases of Russian oil, a key source of revenue for Moscow as it conducts its military operation in Ukraine.

Relations between New Delhi and Washington have been strained by Trump's ultimatum that India stop buying Russian oil, a key source of revenue for Moscow as it conducts its military operation in Ukraine.

India has said it is "ready" to support efforts to end the Ukraine war and has endorsed a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska later today.

However, the US has announced that it will double new import tariffs on India from 25% to 50% by August 27 if New Delhi does not switch its crude suppliers.

We know that we depend on many countries to meet our energy needs, Modi said.

Modi did not speak directly about Trump, but said he would "stand like a wall" against any policies that harm the interests of farmers.

Agriculture employs a large number of people in India and has been a key point in trade talks.

“When economic selfishness is increasing day by day… we should not just sit and worry about the crisis but focus on our strengths,” Modi said.

Modi urged scientists and engineers to focus on building key areas and technologies, including fighter jet engines, semiconductor chips and military hardware systems.

“We will have Indian-made semiconductor chips in the market by the end of the year,” Modi said.

He added, without giving further details, that the country is also working on building a space station and will have a “defensive shield” in the next decade.