PM Modi Hits Out At 'Pessimists', Slams Critics Of Atmanirbhar Bharat In Surat Address

During a visit to Gujarat, the Prime Minister asserted that national self-reliance is the only safeguard against a world currently navigating a decade of unprecedented global instability.

Addressing a gathering in Surat, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on those he termed "pessimists," accusing them of consistently undermining the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) campaign. The Prime Minister said that these critics, who have historically fostered a culture of dependency on foreign nations, fail to grasp that a country relying on others can never reach its full developmental potential. By mocking the resolve of the nation, he argued, these voices are actively working against the country's long-term economic independence.

Navigating a Decade of Disasters

The Prime Minister painted a sobering picture of the current international landscape, describing the present era as a "decade of disasters." According to Modi, the world is currently through a phase of extreme volatility, marked by the lingering economic shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing geopolitical wars, and severe energy crisis scenarios. He pointed specifically to the instability in global fuel markets and the collapse of essential supply chains, which have left many nations struggling to maintain domestic price controls.

Resilience in the Face of Global Volatility

Despite the external pressures of fluctuating petrol prices and fractured trade routes, the Prime Minister emphasized that India has remained resilient. He attributed this strength to the collective effort of 140 crore citizens, stating that the nation is currently facing each global crisis with unwavering fortitude. The Atmanirbhar initiative, he maintained, is not merely a policy but a necessary response to a fragile global ecosystem where supply chains can no longer be taken for granted.

A Call for Unstoppable Development

During his visit to the L&T facility at Hazira, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of perseverance in the face of daunting challenges. In a rallying cry to the audience, he declared that he is prepared to walk three steps for every two steps taken by the nation to overcome obstacles. "Rukna aur thakna humein manzoor nahi hai" (Stopping and getting tired is not acceptable to us), he asserted, signaling that his government intends to accelerate the pace of infrastructure development despite the challenging global economic climate.

The event served as a platform for the inauguration of various development projects, reinforcing the administration’s focus on industrial growth and domestic production capacity. By linking domestic self-reliance directly to the ability to withstand global shocks, the Prime Minister sought to frame the Atmanirbhar agenda as a vital national security interest rather than just an economic target.