Amid US Tariff Threat, PM Modi Pushes for ‘Swadeshi’ Products

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens and businesses to prioritize “swadeshi” and “vocal for local” products in a speech in Varanasi.
• His comments come days after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian exports.
• PM Modi stated that in an uncertain global economy, India must be alert to its own economic interests.

GG News Bureau
Varanasi, 2nd Aug: Days after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian exports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in his constituency, made a strong push for “swadeshi” (made in India) products and the “vocal for local” mantra.

PM Modi said the world economy is currently going through a period of uncertainty, and in such a situation, India must be alert to its own economic interests. He stated that the government is making every effort to protect the interests of India’s farmers, industries, and youth, but citizens also have a responsibility to support the country’s economy.

“When we decide to buy anything, there should be only one measure: We are going to buy those things which an Indian has sweated to make,” the Prime Minister said. He called this resolution a “true service to the country” and a “true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi,” urging people to ensure all new purchases are “swadeshi.”

He also made a special appeal to the business community, asking them to resolve to sell only local products during this period of global uncertainty. “The feeling of ‘swadeshi’ in every action will define our future,” he added.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come after US President Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian exports on Wednesday, along with an unspecified penalty for India’s energy imports from Russia. The US President also reportedly referred to India and Russia as “dead economies.”

In response to the tariff announcement, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had said in Parliament that the government is studying the implications of the move and will take all necessary steps to safeguard India’s national interest. He also noted that negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement are ongoing.