New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day said India must move towards self-reliance and not remain dependent on other countries.

He asserted that the country needs to strengthen its own capabilities and protect its national interests.

"We have to become self-reliant," Modi said, addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort after hoisting the national flag on the 80th Independence Day.

"There are many things in the world; they are cheaper, they are readily available. But that does not build our capabilities, nor does it test our capabilities," he said.

Modi said India must enhance its capabilities and ensure that the responsibility of protecting its interests rests with the country, as he mentioned the government's initiatives such as Make in India.

This report was published from a syndicated wire feed. Apart from the headline, the EdexLive Desk has not edited the copy.