Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday drew attention to India’s long-standing partnership with Russia while also pushing his message of self-reliance, even as tensions with the United States remain high over trade and energy imports.

Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2025 in Greater Noida, where Russia is the partner country, the Prime Minister said India is “strengthening the time-tested partnership” with Moscow. He added that the production of AK-203 rifles would soon start in the country, "from a factory set up with Russia's help".

"A country like India doesn't want to depend on anyone," Modi said, stressing the need for local manufacturing. His remarks followed Washington’s decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports, with US President Donald Trump citing New Delhi’s oil trade with Russia as one of the reasons.

“The country must become self-reliant; every product that can be made in India should be made here,” the Prime Minister 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," he added.

Russia’s participation in the trade fair, now in its third edition, was described by Modi as another example of India “strengthening the time-tested partnership” with Moscow. The event will run in Greater Noida until September 29.

Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have maintained close ties, most recently seen during the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, where the two leaders were photographed hugging and sharing a car ride before holding bilateral talks. Both leaders praised the relationship between their countries.

At the trade show, Modi also spoke about building a stronger defence industry at home. He said the armed forces are working towards reducing foreign dependence, while the government is putting in place infrastructure to achieve that goal.

"Our armed forces aspire to achieve self-reliance and minimise dependence on external sources. To this end, we are dedicated to developing a robust defence infrastructure within India, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that every component is proudly 'Made in India.' To support this vision, we are fostering a thriving ecosystem, with Uttar Pradesh playing a pivotal role in this initiative. In line with these efforts, the production of AK-203 rifles will soon commence in a factory established with assistance from Russia," he said.

The Prime Minister noted that a Defence Corridor is taking shape in Uttar Pradesh, where production of BrahMos missiles and other systems has already begun.

The trade show, being held under the theme 'Ultimate Sourcing Begins Here', will feature international and domestic buyers. Organisers say it is built on three pillars — innovation, integration and internationalisation — and aims to give opportunities to exporters, MSMEs and small entrepreneurs alongside larger industries.

Beyond defence, the event is also putting a spotlight on Uttar Pradesh’s traditional crafts, its modern industries, and its growing network of entrepreneurs.

Turning to economic reforms, Modi said GST changes had led to major savings for ordinary households. He also accused Congress of misleading people on the issue. "To hide their pre-2014 failures, Congress and its allies are lying to the people. We have increased the income and savings of the people of India. We are not going to stop here. As we continue to strengthen our economy, we will continue to reduce taxes. The process of GST reforms will go on continuously," he said.

Congress has pointed out that Modi opposed the GST model when he was Gujarat’s Chief Minister.

"From 2006-2014, for eight years, only one CM opposed the GST, and that CM became the Prime Minister in 2014 and took a U-turn and emerged as a messiah of GST in 2017," Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had said earlier.

The BJP rejected the charge, saying the Congress years were marked by "only talks and no work," and accused the party of spreading "lies."