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PM Modi says India is overcoming global challenges through self-reliance
June 5, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday strongly defended the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, criticizing those who mock the campaign and calling them “pessimists” who want India to remain dependent on other nations. Speaking at an event in Surat, Gujarat, he said that no country can achieve its full development potential if it relies heavily on others. Modi emphasized that self-reliance is essential for India’s long-term growth and progress.
Highlighting the global situation, the Prime Minister said the world is facing an unprecedented period of crises marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, energy shortages, and disruptions in fuel supply chains. Describing the current period as a “decade of disasters,” he noted that fluctuating petrol prices and unstable gas supplies have created uncertainty worldwide. Despite these challenges, Modi said India has demonstrated resilience through the collective efforts of its 140 crore citizens and continues to move forward with confidence and determination.
Earlier in the day, Modi visited Larsen & Toubro’s Hazira facility in Surat, where he reviewed industrial and defence manufacturing operations, including the indigenous Zorawar light tank developed jointly by DRDO and L&T Defence. During his visit to Gujarat and Daman, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around ₹22,000 crore. The projects include road, power, industrial infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and a new terminal building at NAMO Airport in Daman.