“The statement follows President Trump’s recent announcement of a 25% import tariff on Indian goods, set to take effect from August 7, along with a warning of additional sanctions over India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil and defense hardware.”
By Trendyupdates Newsdesk | August 03
“Just days after US President Donald Trump labeled India a ‘dead economy,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Saturday that India is firmly on track to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, emphasizing the need to safeguard national interests amid growing global economic volatility and uncertainty.”
Speaking at a public gathering in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, Prime Minister Modi remarked, “While we discuss economic advancement, I urge you to consider the prevailing global conditions. The world economy is grappling with uncertainty and instability, prompting nations everywhere to prioritize their own interests. As India moves steadily toward becoming the third-largest economy, we must also stay alert and proactive in safeguarding our economic interests.”
Amid India’s resistance to granting tariff concessions to the US on agriculture and dairy—key sticking points in ongoing trade negotiations—Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to farmers, small businesses, and youth employment. He underscored the central role of farmer-focused policies and reiterated that the government is consistently working to ensure their welfare and prosperity.
The Prime Minister also reinforced his call for ‘Swadeshi’, urging that every political party, leader, and citizen play an active role in championing indigenous products—stating it as essential to India’s aspiration of becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
Making a heartfelt appeal to traders and shopkeepers, Prime Minister Modi urged: “In these uncertain global times, let us pledge to stock and sell only Swadeshi products in our shops and markets. Supporting Made-in-India goods is the highest form of service to the nation. Before every purchase, we should ask ourselves—was this crafted by the hands of an Indian? If it carries the effort, skill, and sweat of our own people, then it is truly Swadeshi. We must embrace the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’. Instilling the spirit of Swadeshi in our daily choices will shape India’s future and stand as a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Only through united action can we realize the vision of a developed India.”
Calling for a nationwide movement to champion local products, Prime Minister Modi declared: “This isn’t just about what Modi says—every Indian must believe and say this. If we truly aspire for India to become the world’s third-largest economy, then every political party and leader, setting aside their differences, must unite in the national interest and inspire a Swadeshi spirit among the people.”
“Each decision in favor of Swadeshi will help shape India’s future,” he added. “With collective effort, the vision of a developed India can become a reality. Let us pledge from this moment onward to fill our homes with goods made by Indian hands, and proudly support products born of our own soil.”
Prime Minister Modi’s remarks come shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods, effective August 7, and hinted at further penalties over India’s continued defense and energy dealings with Russia. In a pointed message on Truth Social earlier this week, Trump stated, “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care… We’ve done very little business with India—their tariffs are among the highest in the world.” He went on to label India’s trade policies as “most strenuous and obnoxious.”
While addressing a gathering in Varanasi, Prime Minister Modi also highlighted several rural development initiatives, including the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, the Lakhpati Didi campaign, and the Drone Didi scheme.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, nearly ₹3.75 lakh crore has been directly credited to farmers’ bank accounts nationwide. In Uttar Pradesh alone, over 2.5 crore farmers have received more than ₹90,000 crore, including ₹900 crore disbursed to farmers in Varanasi. “You’ve chosen such a strong MP that ₹900 crore has been deposited straight into your accounts,” he remarked.
“Our government is fully committed to transforming the lives of farmers—boosting their income, lowering cultivation costs, and supporting them every step of the way, from seeds to markets,” he added.
During his one-day visit to the city, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 development projects, collectively valued at approximately ₹2,200 crore.
Leave a Reply