Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to adopt swadeshi spirit, promote indigenous products, and support India's fight against terrorism with pride. (Image Source: X)
In a charged address from his home turf in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reignited the flame of swadeshi, urging citizens to choose India-made products and stand tall in the face of global economic challenges. The call came just a day after US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports and threatened consequences over New Delhi’s continued oil trade with Russia.
“The world economy is unstable, and every nation is focused on self-interest. India too must protect its own priorities,” Modi said. He emphasized that true service to the nation lies in supporting made-in-India goods. “Let us pledge to only sell and buy swadeshi products in our markets. Every Indian must ask—was this product made by our people’s hard work and skill?” he said, promoting the mantra of Vocal for Local.
India currently faces higher trade tariffs than competitors like Thailand and Indonesia. The US move affects Indian exports like textiles, engineering goods, and leather, though exemptions remain for pharmaceuticals and electronics. India exported $86.5 billion worth of goods to the US last year. While the surplus stands at $41 billion, industry experts fear the new duties could dent India's sourcing appeal.
Shifting from the economy to national security, Modi praised Operation Sindoor—India’s retaliatory strike post the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. “When terrorism rises, Mahadev takes his Rudra form. The world saw that in Operation Sindoor,” Modi thundered, warning Pakistan of dire consequences if provoked again.
He credited Mahadev’s blessings for the operation’s success and mourned the victims of the Pahalgam terror strike. “I dedicate this victory to the sacred sindoor of our sisters. The blood of innocents will not go unavenged,” he said.
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Modi lambasted the Opposition for calling Operation Sindoor a “tamasha.” “Can sindoor ever be a joke? They insulted our soldiers and the sacred mark of our women,” he said. He also rebuked SP leaders for questioning the timing of the military strike. “Should I wait for your approval to defend the country?” he asked.
President Trump’s executive order, effective August 7, imposes sharp tariffs not just on India but on Canada, Brazil, Taiwan, and others. India’s government now faces the dual challenge of shielding exports while staying strategically independent on oil imports and trade routes.
In a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh, Modi announced that the indigenously developed BrahMos missile will soon be manufactured in Lucknow. “Missiles made in UP will answer if Pakistan repeats its mistakes,” he warned.
As India heads toward festival season, Modi urged citizens to shop swadeshi. “Change begins with one purchase,” he said, calling it a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and the idea of self-reliance.
