In a strong push for Atmanirbhar Bharat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed to people to reduce reliance on other countries and instead choose Made in India products.

"Duniya mein koi hamara bada dushman nahi hai. Agar hamara koi dushman hai toh woh hai dusre deshon par hamari nirbharta...," he said while inaugurating the Samudra se Samriddhi event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

During the programme, he laid the foundation stone for several development projects worth more than Rs 34,200 crore and addressed the gathering.

"Today, India is moving forward with the spirit of 'Vishwabandhu'. We have no major enemy in the world. Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries. This is our biggest enemy, and together we must defeat this enemy of India, the enemy of dependence. We must always reiterate this. The greater the foreign dependence, the greater the country's failure. For global peace, stability, and prosperity, the country with the world's largest population must become Atmanirbhar.," said PM Modi.

"If we remain dependent on others, our self-respect will be hurt. We cannot leave the future of 1.4 billion countrymen to others. We cannot leave the resolution for the country's development to the dependence of others. We cannot put the future of future generations at stake... There is only one medicine for a hundred sorrows, and that is a self-reliant India...," he added.

The prime minister also criticised earlier governments and said, “Congress ignored India's strength for a long time, when globalisation started, it took the road of import and in that also they made scams of crores of rupees. The Congress's policy obstructed India's original strength.”

As part of his visit, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for development projects worth more than Rs 34,200 crore with a focus on maritime and regional infrastructure. “Though this event is happening in Bhavnagar, it is a program for the entire India. Today, Bhavnagar has been chosen as the centre for this important programme to showcase India’s journey from ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’,” he said, stressing the national importance of the initiative.

Pointing to the programme launched on his 75th birthday, he said, “From September 17 to 2 October akhs of people are celebrating Seva Pakhvada, there are many programs organised in Gujarat during this, 1 lakh people have donated blood till the time only in Gujarat in a few days. In many cities cleanliness campaigns were organised.” He further added, “In Gujarat more than 30,000 places have health camps organised, where the health of women is kept in center. I thank everybody joined in this work.”

During his visit, PM Modi inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock, a modern facility designed to give a significant boost to Indian cruise tourism. Spread over 415,000 square feet, the terminal can accommodate around one million passengers a year and offers a luxurious stop for both domestic and international cruise travellers. Its interiors feature a wave-themed ceiling and blue benches, while glass walls provide a panoramic view of the sea, creating a visually striking experience.

The inauguration of the cruise terminal was part of maritime sector projects worth over ₹7,870 crore, which PM Modi also laid foundation stones for during his visit to Gujarat’s Bhavnagar. These projects are included in a larger development push totalling over ₹34,200 crore, covering both maritime and regional infrastructure initiatives.