Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon Indians to embrace the spirit of ‘Swadeshi’ and prioritise locally-made products, emphasising the importance of national economic interests in a volatile global landscape. His appeal, made on August 2 (Saturday) during a public address in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, comes days after the US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods.
During his address, where he also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development works worth approximately ₹2,200 crore, the Prime Minister highlighted the prevailing global economic instability. “As we talk about economic progress, I want to draw your attention to the current global scenario,” the Prime Minister stated. “The world economy is facing instability and uncertainty. In such times, countries are focusing solely on their own interests. India, too, is on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy and must remain alert to its own economic priorities.”
The Prime Minister urged citizens to recognise their responsibilities in this economic climate. He called for a nationwide movement to support indigenous industries, stressing that “this is not just about Modi saying it, every Indian should say this, if we want India to become the third-largest economy, every political party and every leader, keeping aside their hesitations, must work in the nation’s interest and awaken the spirit of Swadeshi among the people.”
Modi defined ‘Swadeshi’ as anything produced through the “sweat and effort of an Indian,” urging the nation to adopt the mantra of “Vocal for Local.” He appealed directly to traders and shopkeepers to “take a pledge to sell only Swadeshi goods from our shops and markets. Promoting made in India goods will be the truest service to the country.”
With the upcoming festive and wedding seasons, the Prime Minister encouraged people to ensure that all new purchases are made in India, recalling instances where citizens changed their wedding plans from abroad to India following his earlier appeals. “The feeling of Swadeshi in every action will define our future. This will also be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Only through collective effort can we fulfil the dream of a developed India,” he concluded.
