‘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 ambitious roadmap to drastically cut India’s reliance on imported oil and gas, announcing rapid expansion in nuclear power, deep-sea oil exploration, and other clean energy initiatives. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the country’s 79th Independence Day, he said energy self-reliance is critical for the nation’s future.PM Modi revealed that work is progressing rapidly on 10 new nuclear reactors and pledged to increase India’s nuclear energy capacity tenfold by 2047. “We are bringing major reforms in the nuclear energy sector,” he said, adding that India must reduce its heavy dependence on foreign countries for petrol, diesel and gas, imports that cost the exchequer billions of rupees annually.The prime minister also announced the launch of the National Deep Water Exploration Mission, aimed at identifying oil and gas reserves beneath the sea. Calling it a modern-day “Samudra Manthan”, PM Modi said this would be a “mission mode” effort to bolster domestic production and strengthen energy security.His remarks come amid US pressure for India to halt Russian oil imports, with Washington warning of steep tariff hikes if New Delhi does not diversify suppliers. PM Modi stressed 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 significant strides in renewable energy. Over the past 11 years, India’s solar capacity has increased 30-fold, while large-scale investments are being made in hydropower and the National Hydrogen Mission.He urged scientists and engineers to focus on indigenous technology development, from semiconductor chips to advanced defence systems, as part of a broader push for technological sovereignty. “To build a truly self-reliant India, we must achieve energy independence,” PM Modi said, vowing to defend national interests “like a wall.”This multifaceted energy strategy, combining nuclear, offshore fossil fuel exploration, and renewables, is positioned as a key step in insulating India from volatile global markets and geopolitical pressures.