When U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on goods from India, it didn’t just rattle exporters – it sparked nationwide calls to boycott American brands. Across social media and street corners, business leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s supporters are urging consumers to choose home-grown over imported.
India remains a critical market for U.S. multinationals. WhatsApp boasts more Indian users than any other country, and Domino’s runs more outlets here than anywhere else. Pepsi and Coca-Cola dominate store shelves, while queues form outside new Apple stores and Starbucks cafes when discounts hit.
Yet against this backdrop of American ubiquity, voices like Manish Chowdhary, co-founder of Wow Skin Science, are leading the charge for “Made in India.” In a LinkedIn video, he urged fellow entrepreneurs to back farmers and startups, learning from South Korea’s global food and beauty success. “We’ve lined up for products from thousands of miles away,” he said. “Now it’s time our own makers shine.”
Similarly, Rahm Shastry, CEO of DriveU, called for India to build its own digital giants: “Imagine a home-grown Twitter, Google, YouTube, WhatsApp or Facebook – just like China has.” The sentiment highlights a growing appetite for self-reliance in both tech and consumer goods.
Indian retail players already give foreign chains a run for their money. Yet while brands like Starbucks vie for a slice of domestic spending, India’s IT services champions – TCS and Infosys – quietly power the global economy with software solutions.
On Sunday in Bengaluru, Modi reinforced the narrative: “Our technology companies create for the world, but now is the time to give priority to India’s needs.” With consumers and leaders aligned, India’s bid for economic independence is gathering momentum, transforming tariffs into a rallying cry for local innovation and global ambition.
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In India, Trump's tariffs spark calls to boycott American goods
cgtn.com
