‘We must achieve energy independence’: PM Modi unveils major push for nuclear, offshore oil; aims to cut imports

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday outlined an formidable roadmap to drastically cut India’s reliance on imported oil and gasoline, asserting speedy enlargement in nuclear energy, deep-sea oil exploration, and different clear energy initiatives. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the nation’s 79th Independence Day, he mentioned energy self-reliance is essential for the nation’s future.PM Modi revealed that work is progressing quickly on 10 new nuclear reactors and pledged to enhance India’s nuclear energy capability tenfold by 2047. “We are bringing major reforms in the nuclear energy sector,” he mentioned, including that India must scale back its heavy dependence on international international locations for petrol, diesel and gasoline, imports that price the exchequer billions of rupees yearly.The prime minister additionally introduced the launch of the National Deep Water Exploration Mission, aimed toward figuring out oil and gasoline reserves beneath the ocean. Calling it a modern-day “Samudra Manthan”, PM Modi mentioned this may be a “mission mode” effort to bolster home manufacturing and strengthen energy safety.His remarks come amid US strain for India to halt Russian oil imports, with Washington warning of steep tariff hikes if New Delhi doesn’t diversify suppliers. PM Modi harassed that “self-reliance is the foundation of developed India” and asserted, “Freedom becomes meaningless if someone becomes too dependent on others.”Alongside nuclear and offshore exploration, PM Modi highlighted important strides in renewable energy. Over the previous 11 years, India’s photo voltaic capability has elevated 30-fold, whereas large-scale investments are being made in hydropower and the National Hydrogen Mission.He urged scientists and engineers to give attention to indigenous know-how improvement, from semiconductor chips to superior defence programs, as a part of a broader push for technological sovereignty. “To build a truly self-reliant India, we must achieve energy independence,” PM Modi mentioned, vowing to defend nationwide pursuits “like a wall.”This multifaceted energy technique, combining nuclear, offshore fossil gas exploration, and renewables, is positioned as a key step in insulating India from unstable international markets and geopolitical pressures.