In a nationwide address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged India’s 1.4 billion citizens to ditch foreign-made goods in favor of homegrown products. Framing it as a modern “Swadeshi” movement, he positioned local manufacturing as a catalyst for economic resilience.
The call comes after the United States slapped a 50 percent tariff on imported Indian goods, straining a bilateral trade relationship that has deepened U.S. brands’ reach into India’s urban centers and smaller towns. Modi’s push has already spurred grassroots campaigns to steer clear of iconic American names like McDonald’s, Pepsi and Apple.
“A lot of products we use daily are foreign-made, we just don’t know,” Modi said, urging citizens to identify and replace these items with goods crafted in India.
From smartphones to household staples, U.S. companies have tapped into India’s expanding consumer market—often via platforms such as Amazon.com. Modi argued that refocusing spending on local brands would translate into stronger growth, new jobs and greater self-reliance.
He also appealed to shopkeepers to prioritize made-in-India offerings on their shelves, reinforcing the message ahead of wide-ranging consumer tax cuts set to take effect this week.
Already, couriers and e-commerce platforms have ramped up promotions of domestically produced goods, while startups are showcasing everything from sustainable clothing to innovative home appliances.
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is slated to visit Washington soon for high-stakes trade talks aimed at easing tensions, setting the stage for a potential reset of economic ties.
Analysts say a successful Swadeshi drive could inject fresh momentum into India’s manufacturing sector and influence global supply chains. For young entrepreneurs and consumers alike, the message is clear: supporting local could be the key to navigating an increasingly complex world.
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Modi urges Indians to abandon foreign products amid strained U.S. ties
cgtn.com
