PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called on citizens to adopt the spirit of “swadeshi” and support locally-made products, stressing that true service to the nation lies in promoting indigenous goods, especially amid “global economic uncertainties”. Addressing a public meeting in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, Modi said, “As we talk about economic progress, I want to draw your attention to the current global scenario. “The world economy is facing instability and uncertainty. In such times, countries are focusing solely on their own interests. India, too, is on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy and must remain alert to its own economic priorities.”

 

The Prime Minister’s renewed push for ‘swadeshi’ (indigenous) comes amid the US announcing tariffs on exports from about 70 nations, including India. According to the White House order, India now faces tariffs of 25 per cent for its exports to the US. Emphasising that farmers, small industries, and employment for youth are the top-most priorities for the Government, Modi said, “The Government is doing everything possible in this direction. But as citizens, we too have responsibilities.” Calling for a national movement to support local products, the Prime Minister said, “This is not just about Modi saying it, every Indian should say this -- if we want India to become the third-largest economy, every political party and every leader, keeping aside their hesitations, must work in the nation’s interest and awaken the spirit of swadeshi among the people.”

 

He also urged people to be conscious consumers, saying, “Whatever we buy, we should ask ourselves -- has an Indian toiled to make this? If it has been made by the sweat of our people, with their skills, that product is swadeshi for us. We must adopt the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’.” Making a special appeal to traders and shopkeepers, the Prime Minister said, “At a time when the world is going through uncertainty, let us take a pledge to sell only swadeshi goods from our shops and markets. Promoting made in India goods will be the truest service to the country.” India on path to becoming third-largest economy, must remain alert to own economic priorities: PM Modi: ASSERTING that India is on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the country must remain alert to its own economic priorities amid the instability and uncertainty facing the world economy.

 

PM Modi’s remarks came just days after US President Donald Trump called India a “dead economy” after announcing a 25 per cent tariff on the import of Indian goods along with an unspecified “penalty” for buying Russian military equipment and crude oil. Addressing a public meeting in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Saturday, Modi said, “As we talk about economic progress, I want to draw your attention to the current global scenario. “The world economy is facing instability and uncertainty. In such times, countries are focusing solely on their own interests. India, too, is on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy and must remain alert to its own economic priorities.” 

 

 

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 development projects worth approximately Rs 2,183.45 crore. In a major move to support farmers, the Prime Minister also released the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, transferring Rs 20,500 crore to the bank accounts of over 9.70 crore eligible farmers across the country. Additionally, he distributed assistive devices such as wheelchairs, tricycles, and visual aids to people with disabilities and senior citizens during a special programme held at Banauli village in the Sevapuri block. “Hum Kaashi ke har parivar-jan ke pranaam karat hai (I extend my respectful greetings to every family of Varanasi)”, said the prime minister in the local dialect, drawing massive cheers from the crowd as he opened his address. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, both his deputies—Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak—along with several ministers, public representatives, and BJP’s State unit president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary were present at the event. According to Dilip Patel, head of the BJP’s Kashi region unit, this marks PM Modi’s 51st visit to his parliamentary constituency.

 

Coming just ahead of Rakshabandhan and in the auspicious month of Shravan, the visit is expected to provide a significant developmental boost to the Purvanchal region. The 52 projects span key sectors such as road infrastructure, healthcare, education, sports, tourism, and urban development. Initiatives include road construction and widening, hospital upgrades, improvement of educational institutions, better drinking water and sanitation, development of sports infrastructure, establishment of a homeopathic college, construction of paved ghats for religious tourism, expansion of electricity and parking facilities, pond renovation, and the setting up of libraries, animal hospitals, and dog care centres, according to an official statement.