Delhi: Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always surprised the country and the world from the ramparts of Red Fort, this time it was different. Because this time he had to give a message to the most powerful and rich country of the world. The whole of India was waiting for the fact that PM Modi will definitely reply to US President Trump today. Perhaps the PM was also understanding the public sentiments, that is why he said many things for Pakistan and America in his speech which these countries would not have liked. The PM replied to every negativity of Trump against India in a very positive manner without naming America.
Keeping in mind the 50% tariff imposed by US President Trump, Modi said many such things today which are like redline and deadline for America. If we analyze the speech of PM properly, it will be clear that he has set some redlines for America which are unacceptable to cross. Similarly, he has also prepared deadlines (time-bound expectations). Obviously, these redlines and deadlines underline India’s strategic autonomy, regional security, and growing role on the global stage. This is the reason why Modi’s speech from the Red Fort on 15 August 2025 will be remembered for years for its heavy political and diplomatic messages.
1- We will become a wall to protect the interests of farmers and fishermen, meaning we will not be afraid of tariffs
Prime Minister Modi, in his Independence Day address, gave a clear message by calling the interests of farmers, fishermen and cattle rearers the first priority and said that no compromise will be made to protect their well-being and interests. He said that I stand like a wall to protect the interests of farmers, fishermen and cattle rearers. This statement made it clear that he is not going to bow down to any policy or pressure. This was a redline for America to understand that India is not going to be afraid of tariffs. Prime Minister Modi had said earlier also that he is ready to pay a personal political price for the farmers.
2-Mantra of Daam Kam-Dum Jyada, means there is a market outside America as well
In his speech, Modi gave the mantra of Daam Kam-Dum Jyada. This simply means commitment to better quality at a lower price. In his speech, Modi talked about promoting Vocal for Local for Make in India, Semiconductor Mission, EV etc., which was clearly a response to US tariffs and export barriers. This mantra is an important message towards promoting self-reliance and competitiveness in India’s economic and industrial policy.
Through this mantra, Modi encouraged Indian industries, especially MSMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises) to compete in the global market with affordable, high-quality products. This is an important part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, which promotes indigenous production.
He explained the need to apply this mantra in electric vehicles (EV) and other sectors. For example, emphasizing self-reliance in the semiconductor and energy sector, he said that Made in India products can give high performance even while keeping the cost low. This mantra aims to strengthen India’s position in the global supply chain. This mantra indirectly sends a message to countries like America that India will move ahead in global competition with affordable and quality products.
3-Indigenous defense system, like Indian jets and Sudarshan Chakra
The Sudarshan Chakra mission has indirectly given a strong message to America. The objective of this mission is to develop an indigenous missile defense system by 2035, which is capable of destroying ballistic and hypersonic missiles as well as retaliating. Remember, America had once refused to give cryogenic engines to India. This announcement underlines India’s defense self-reliance and strategic autonomy, which sends a message to America at many levels. Meaning that America should understand that we do not even need its technology. America has already seen the power of Indian indigenous weapons during Operation Sindoor. The Sudarshan Chakra mission is parallel to the US’ Golden Dome mission, which is an advanced missile defence system. It is a clear signal to the US that India is becoming an independent player in the global missile defence scenario and the US no longer needs to be the chowkidar in defence technology. It is a redline for the US, indicating that India will not be dependent on external support for its security.
Swadeshi fighter jet engine
The talk of indigenous fighter jet engine was also an important message to the US indirectly. Modi called upon the youth and engineers that now we should make Made in India fighter jet engines. This statement was a clear step towards increasing self-reliance and technological autonomy in India’s defence sector. This announcement signals to the US that India wants to reduce foreign dependence, especially on US companies like General Electric (GE), in defence technology, especially fighter jet engines. India currently uses GE engines for its aircraft like Tejas and AMCA.
4- Samudra Manthan for oil was a message to America
Donald Trump had announced an oil agreement with Pakistan on 30 July 2025, in which America and Pakistan will jointly develop Pakistan’s so-called huge oil reserves. Trump had made this agreement to tease India. This is confirmed by Trump’s statement that perhaps Pakistan can sell oil to India in future.
In his address from the Red Fort, Modi announced the ‘National Deepwater Exploration Mission’ for energy self-sufficiency, which he called ‘Samudra Manthan’. Although its objective is to discover oil and gas reserves in the depths of the sea, so that foreign dependence for India’s energy needs, especially the billions of rupees spent on the import of petrol and diesel, can be reduced. But it has deep implications. This is a direct challenge to America. You extract oil from Pakistan, see we find oil reserves before you.
