PM Modi Urges Citizens to Buy Only 'Made in India' Goods

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens and businesses to support Indian-made goods, saying "All of us should follow the mantra of buying only 'Made in India' goods." He added that businessmen should display a big board outside their establishments indicating they sell only 'wadeshi' (Indian goods). This comes as the US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports following the collapse of trade talks between the two countries. Modi also inaugurated development projects worth ₹5,400 crore in Ahmedabad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for increased support for Indian-made goods, urging citizens and businesses to buy only 'Made in India' products. This appeal comes in the wake of the United States imposing a 50% tariff on Indian imports following the collapse of trade negotiations between the two countries. During a visit to Ahmedabad, Modi emphasized the importance of self-reliance and the need to strengthen domestic industries.

In his address, Modi suggested that businessmen should prominently display boards outside their establishments indicating they sell only 'swadeshi' (Indian goods). This directive aims to foster a sense of national pride and boost the domestic economy. The PM also inaugurated development projects worth ₹5,400 crore in Ahmedabad, highlighting the government's commitment to infrastructure development.

The U.S. tariffs, which took effect on August 27, 2025, target India's largest export market, accounting for roughly 20% of the country's total merchandise exports. Analysts project that these measures could shave 0.2% to 0.6% off India's GDP growth and lead to export losses of $5 billion to $8 billion. The impact is expected to be severe, particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems and jewelry, and pharmaceuticals [2].

The gems and jewelry industry, India's second-largest export sector to the U.S., faces a significant disruption. The new 50% tariff could trigger a 15% drop in exports, amounting to losses of $1.8 billion to $2 billion. Similarly, the textiles and apparel sector, valued at $10.3 billion in exports to the U.S., now faces steep tariffs ranging from 50% to 63.9%. These tariffs threaten the viability of many small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in these sectors [2].

In response, the Indian government is negotiating a bilateral trade agreement to secure exemptions and exploring market diversification toward Europe and the Middle East. Prime Minister Modi has also renewed his calls for 'Swadeshi' production and the 'Vocal for Local' campaign, emphasizing the need for self-reliance and economic diversification [1].

Despite the strain, bilateral ties between India and the U.S. remain a strategic priority. However, recent frictions have tempered expectations in New Delhi of enjoying a special or privileged relationship with Washington. Instead, India is likely to reaffirm its commitment to economic self-reliance and the diversification of export markets, while professing closer ties with countries such as China, Russia, and Iran—even as the U.S. remains its most important partner in practice [3].

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/pm-modi-urges-buy-made-in-india-swadeshi-us-tariffs-125082501204_1.html
[2] https://americanbazaaronline.com/2025/08/24/how-u-s-tariffs-threaten-indian-exports-from-textiles-to-jewelry-466651/
[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/pm-inaugurates-development-projects-worth-over-rs-5400-crore-at-ahmedabad/videoshow/123504454.cms