NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a strong appeal for reviving the spirit of Swadeshi, urging Indians to prioritise locally-made products and stand united in the face of growing global economic uncertainty.Speaking at a public meeting in his Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, PM Modi warned that the world economy is entering a phase of instability and unpredictability. His remarks followed a controversial decision by US President Donald Trump to impose 25 per cent tariffs on exports from nearly 70 countries, including India, echoing his inward-looking and hostile trade stance to impress his MAGA votebank.Trump’s order is expected to deal a blow, even if not fatal, to Indian exporters, making goods costlier in American markets and threatening key sectors like engineering, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.Without naming the US directly, Modi cautioned that India must stay focused on its own economic interests as it moves toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy.“As we talk about economic progress, I want to draw your attention to the current global scenario. 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,” PM Modi said.Calling for a nationwide movement to support indigenous industry, the Prime Minister said the time had come for every Indian, across political lines, to rise above partisanship and back the local economy.“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,” he said.PM Modi also said that the government is doing its part to support farmers, small industries, and youth employment, but stressed that national transformation cannot happen without citizen participation.“The government is doing everything possible in this direction. But as citizens, we too have responsibilities,” he added.Making a direct appeal to shopkeepers and traders, PM Modi urged them to take a pledge to sell only Indian-made goods, especially with the festive and wedding seasons around the corner.“At a time when the world is going through uncertainty, let us 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,” he said.PM Modi futher urged people to be conscious consumers, asking them to reflect on the origins of every purchase.“Whatever we buy, we should ask ourselves, has an Indian toiled to make this? If it has been made by the sweat of our people, with their skills, that product is Swadeshi for us. We must adopt the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’,” the PM said.Recalling earlier instances when families shifted wedding plans from abroad to India following his appeal, PM Modi said Swadeshi is not just an economic choice but a cultural and national statement.“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,” PM Modi said.
