Ahmedabad: Two days before Donald Trump’s harsh 50% tariffs on Indian imports are set to kick in,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that his government won’t compromise on the interests of farmers and small businesses.
“For Modi, interests of farmers, cattle-rearers and small-scale industries are paramount. The pressure on us may increase, but we will bear it all,” Modi said at an event in Ahmedabad after launching several civic projects.
Later in the day, Modi repeated his push for ‘swadeshi’, or indigenous goods, at another rally in Ahmedabad.
got yet another push from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, as India consistently hardens its stance against the US tariff regime affecting international trade.
“Businessmen should keep a big board outside their establishments, saying they sell ‘swadeshi’ goods,” the PM said, referring to the upcoming festivals when people will go on a shopping spree.
“Now Navratri, Vijay Dashami (Dussehra), Dhanteras, Deepawali, all these festivals are coming. These are celebrations of our culture but they should also be celebrations of self-reliance,” Modi suggested.
“Therefore, I want to reiterate my request to you once again that we must adopt a mantra in our lives: whatever we buy will be ‘Made in India’; it will be indigenous,” he urged.
“I also encourage businesses to refrain from selling items sourced from other countries. These small yet impactful steps can play a significant role in driving our nation’s progress and prosperity.”
Modi said sellers should feel proud to display a board saying, ‘Mere yahaan swadeshi bikta hai (I sell swadeshi).’
#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “This is the season of festivals. Now Navratri, Vijayadashami, Dhanteras, Diwali… all these festivals are coming. These are celebrations of our culture but they should also be celebrations of self-reliance.… pic.twitter.com/6xzsK0ybIZ
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2025
During his 11-plus years as Prime Minister, Modi has continuously pushed for ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’, even as the Opposition countered him by pointing out that manufacturing has not seen a surge in this time.
In recent months, though, Modi’s ‘swadeshi’ movement has been in the context of global trade tensions over tariffs imposed by US President Trump. Even in his last episode of monthly radio talk show ‘Mann ki Baat’, Modi said that true service to the nation lay in promoting indigenous goods.
India, initially slapped 25% reciprocal tariffs, was stunned after Trump imposed an additional 25% levy as ‘penalty’ for India buying of oil from Russia despite waging war in Ukraine for over three years.
India has questioned the logic of penal tariffs, and stressed on its sovereignty.
