PM Modi warns of weaponisation of resources, sea routes; urges energy self-reliance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for India to achieve energy self-reliance to mitigate risks from the weaponization of global sea routes and resources. His statement follows significant disruptions to energy shipping in the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing regional conflicts.
Why it matters
Energy security is critical for India's economic stability, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East directly threaten the country's supply chains and inflation levels.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 15, 2026) warned that the weaponisation of resources and strategic sea routes by some countries posed risks to India's economic security, calling for greater self-reliance in energy to reduce the country's vulnerability to overseas supplies.
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Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day , Mr. Modi said India needed to strengthen domestic capacity in critical areas, including energy and minerals, as geopolitical tensions increasingly exposed the risks of dependence on external sources.
Without naming any country, Mr. Modi said resources ranging from fuel and medicines to technology were increasingly being used as instruments of geopolitical pressure, while strategic geographical routes were also being weaponised.
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