'Self-Reliant India Does Not Stay Silent, It Gives Befitting Response': PM Modi

Last Updated:October 18, 2025, 08:54 IST

PM Modi asserted that India had overcome several challenges in the last 11 years and was in no mood to stop, adding that it is still the fastest-growing economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the country’s shift towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence, saying that a self-reliant India does not remain silent, but responds befittingly through surgical strikes, as seen in Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.

Speaking at the NDTV World Summit at the Bharat Mandapam, PM Modi asserted that India was in no mood to stop at a time of several roadblocks in the world. He highlighted that before coming to power in 2014, there were raging doubts on how India would overcome several issues like terrorism, women safety and policy paralysis, but India has managed to overcome every challenge in the last 11 years.

“Now, the self-reliant India does not stay silent, it gives a befitting response through surgical strikes, airstrikes and Operation Sindoor," he said on terrorism. India launched precise airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April, neutralising over 100 terrorists.

“During Covid-19, when everyone was thinking about how this country will save itself, India proved every assumption wrong. We defeated the challenge and became the fastest-growing economy," he was quoted as saying in the event.

Immediately after the pandemic, the PM recalled, the world faced major conflicts as seen in Ukraine, which once again raised fears of impacting India’s economic growth. However, India remained the fastest-growing major economy with an average growth of 7.8% in the last three years, he added.

“India’s exports have also gone up. Last year, India’s agricultural exports were Rs 4.8 lakh crore. Amid uncertain ratings for several other countries, S&P has upgraded India’s credit rating after 17 years… Just a few days ago, Google also announced it will invest $15 billion in India’s AI space," he stressed.

“UK PM Keir Starmer came to India with his biggest delegation. It showed that the world sees opportunity in India. The world sees India as a responsible partner," he added. “These investments are helping make India the nerve centre of global investment. The edge of the unknown is the gateway of opportunity for India."

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

Read More

News india 'Self-Reliant India Does Not Stay Silent, It Gives Befitting Response': PM Modi

Read More