Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underscored India’s “time-tested” partnership with Russia, highlighting long-standing defence cooperation between the two countries — a remark that comes amid ongoing US concerns over India’s continued oil trade with Moscow.
The Prime Minister — who made the remarks at the UP International Trade Show, where Russia is the international partner — again made a pitch for atmanirbharta or self-reliance, saying a country like India does not want to depend on anyone. “This time, the country partner of the trade show is Russia. That means we are further strengthening a time-tested partnership through this trade show,” the Prime Minister said.
His remarks came amid strain in ties between India and the US following the Trump administration imposing highest 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports and balking at New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Modi further said India’s armed forces seek indigenous solutions and aim to reduce external dependence.
“The country must become self-reliant, every product that can be made in India should be made here,” Modi said.
“Soon, production of AK-203 rifle will begin from a factory set up with Russia’s help. A defence corridor is also being set up in Uttar Pradesh. Production of several weapons, including BrahMos missiles has already started.” “In India, we are developing a vibrant defence sector, creating an ecosystem where every component bears the mark of ‘Made in India’,” he said, highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s significant role in this transformation.
He called upon all stakeholders to invest and manufacture in Uttar Pradesh, which boasts of a robust and expanding network of millions of MSMEs, and assured all support to them. Modi further said despite global disruptions and uncertainty, India’s growth remains attractive. He reiterated that the nation’s resolve and guiding mantra is Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
“In a changing world, the more a country depends on others, the more its growth remains compromised. Therefore, a country like India can no longer afford to depend on anyone... India must become self-reliant,” he said. He stressed that every product that can be made in India must be made in the country itself.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said the state is effectively fulfilling its role as a growth engine under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He was speaking at the inaugural session of the third edition of the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) 2025 in Greater Noida.
“In this UPITS 2025, more than 550 buyers from 80 countries and over 2,250 exhibitors are participating. With cooperation from all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, stalls have been put up at the event,” Adityanath said.
He also recalled Deen Dayal Upadhyaya’s concept of ‘antyodaya’ and said Modi’s vision is transforming it into ‘Rashtrodaya’. He highlighted the revival of traditional enterprises, growth of start-ups, benefits under the CM Yuva Udyami Yojana, PM Vishwakarma scheme, and increasing GI product registrations. “Today, Uttar Pradesh is becoming a global hub for IT, semiconductors and electronics manufacturing. The state accounts for 50 per cent of the country’s mobile phone production,” he added.
The chief minister also underlined improved infrastructure, connectivity, law and order, and new employment zones being developed across districts to boost industrial growth and self-reliance.
UP industry development and exports promotion minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ on Thursday said Russia’s active participation in the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show will give a fresh impetus to international collaboration and cement the state’s role as a crucial trade hub.
Russia’s participation adds weight to this edition of the trade show, and this will open new avenues for bilateral trade, technology exchange, and long-term strategic alliances, Nandi said.
“With Russia’s active participation, the show will give a fresh impetus to international collaboration and cross-border ventures, cementing Uttar Pradesh’s role as a crucial trade hub,” he said.
UPITS 2025 is designed to be bigger, broader, and more inclusive, strengthening the state’s position as a global sourcing hub with its theme, ‘Ultimate Sourcing Begins Here’, Nandi, UP Minister for Industrial Development, Export Promotion, NRI & Investment Promotion, said.
This year’s edition introduces a three-dimensional buyer strategy, categorising participation into international buyers, domestic B2B buyers, and domestic B2C buyers — ensuring opportunities across the value chain for large exporters, small businesses, and end consumers alike, the minister said.
The show is expected to host over 2,400 exhibitors, 1.25 lakh B2B visitors and 4.5 lakh B2C visitors, spread across 1,10,000 sqm of gross exhibition space.
With sectors ranging from handicrafts, textiles, leather, agriculture, food processing, IT, electronics, wellness, AYUSH, and more, the trade show demonstrates the full spectrum of Uttar Pradesh’s potential, Nandi added.
One of the main objectives of UPITS-2025 is to highlight Uttar Pradesh’s diverse craft traditions, modern industries, robust MSMEs, and emerging entrepreneurs on a single platform. (Inputs from PTI)