Daijiworld Media Network – Nagpur

Nagpur, Aug 11: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday stressed that India must enhance exports and lead in technological advancement to achieve true economic self-reliance.

Delivering a lecture at the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Nagpur, Gadkari said, “If our export and economic growth rate increases, we will not need to go to anyone. Those who show dominance do so because they are financially strong and have technology.”

The minister added that despite financial and technological strength, India would not misuse its position. “Our culture teaches us that the welfare of the world is most important. Even if we are strong, we will not bully anyone,” he said.

Highlighting innovation as the key to growth, Gadkari noted, “The solution to all problems is science, technology and knowledge. If we use these, we will never have to bow to the world. Research must be aligned with the country’s needs, considering the strengths of every district and state. If we work continuously in this way, our economy’s growth rate can triple.”

Gadkari’s remarks came days after US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, citing national security and foreign policy concerns linked to India’s imports of Russian oil.

Calling the move “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” the Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi will take all necessary measures to safeguard national interests.