PM Modi Calls for ‘Swadeshi Only’ Boards Amid Tariff Tensions with US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again urged citizens and businesses to embrace “swadeshi” (indigenous) products, particularly during the upcoming festive season. His appeal came at an event in Ahmedabad, just two days before the United States’ 50% tariff on Indian goods comes into effect on August 27, as part of the Trump administration’s trade measures.

Speaking to traders and citizens, PM Modi emphasised that the festive season should not only celebrate culture but also self-reliance. “Whatever we buy should be Made in India. This is not just about tradition but about economic strength,” he said. Modi urged shopkeepers to prominently display boards reading, “We sell only swadeshi goods,” as a visible commitment to the cause.

He appealed to both buyers and sellers to prioritise Indian products over foreign goods, whether for decorations, gifts, or essentials. “These small steps can significantly contribute to national progress and prosperity,” he stressed. Modi also encouraged businesses to improve quality and reduce costs to make indigenous products more competitive.

While advocating for self-reliance, Modi reassured farmers, small-scale industries, and cattle-rearers that their interests would not be compromised despite international pressure. Without naming specific countries, he pointed out that global politics is increasingly dominated by economic self-interest, underlining the need for India to strengthen its own economy.

The Prime Minister also invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of swadeshi, linking it to his vision of an “Aatma-nirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India). He said, “Swadeshi and self-reliance are the highways to Viksit Bharat (a developed India).”

His remarks not only addressed immediate concerns over US tariffs but also reinforced his government’s broader push for economic independence. By framing swadeshi as both a cultural duty and an economic necessity, Modi positioned it as central to India’s long-term growth strategy.