Union Minister Nitin Gadkari declared on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, that true nationalism is best demonstrated by a nation’s commitment to reducing imports and significantly boosting its exports.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Mr. Gadkari emphasized that a country that excels in knowledge and pioneering research is destined to become a ‘Vishwaguru’ – a global leader and teacher. He underscored the crucial need to integrate education and innovative spirit directly with the trajectory of national development.
He elaborated, ‘Knowledge is the paramount factor in transforming India into a Vishwaguru. Every nation that achieves global prominence does so through profound knowledge and relentless research. We are witnessing extensive research efforts across critical sectors like defense, agriculture, and information technology.’
Mr. Gadkari drew a stark contrast between past and present warfare, noting that traditional battles fought with soldiers and tanks have evolved into modern conflicts utilizing drones and missiles. This evolution, he explained, vividly illustrates the global shift towards strategies powered by advanced knowledge.
The prominent BJP MP further highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious vision: to elevate India into a five-trillion-dollar economy and secure its position as the world’s third-largest economy.
He asserted that realizing this monumental goal necessitates a sharp focus on continuous knowledge acquisition and cutting-edge research, ensuring that our educational frameworks are directly applicable and relevant to the practical challenges and opportunities of contemporary life.
Reiterating his core message, Mr. Gadkari stated, ‘The destiny of our youth is intrinsically linked to the nation’s future. The most profound expression of nationalism lies in scrutinizing what we import, investing in research to produce those goods domestically, thereby reducing our reliance on foreign products, and aggressively expanding our export capabilities.’
He specifically pointed out that advancements in material sciences and technology are vital tools that will significantly help in curbing India’s import dependence.
Finally, Mr. Gadkari observed that the world is increasingly captivated by India’s rich heritage, profound history, diverse culture, and ancient wisdom of yoga. He concluded that it is imperative for India to channel its vast knowledge reserves to bring tangible benefits to both its society and the nation as a whole.