Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to traders and shopkeepers in India to follow the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’ and buy Indian products, stressing that this will benefit the country and the money spent
on such goods will stay within India.
Speaking at an inauguration event in Delhi, PM Modi said, “Have faith in Indian goods. If you are Indian, buy only goods made in India. You should decide to choose only those items that are made in India, by Indians.”
“I want to appeal to my fellow traders and shopkeepers: please support me in following the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’. This will benefit the country, and the money spent on the goods you sell will stay within India,” he added.
PM Modi’s pitch for ‘Vocal for Local’ comes after US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs totalling to 50 per cent on India. These include an additional 25 per cent duty on Indian purchases of Russian oil, set to come into effect from 27 August. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has criticised the move, calling it “unjustified and unreasonable”.
During his address to the nation on Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi stressed the ideals of Atmanirbhar Bharat, calling for self-reliance in from defence to energy, with initiatives underway in solar, hydrogen and nuclear power amid global trade uncertainties.
He emphasised that protecting the interests of the agricultural sector was non-negotiable and linked energy self-reliance to reducing import costs so that funds could be redirected to farmers and the poor.
He also announced the creation of a dedicated Reform Task Force to drive next-generation reforms. Its mandate: accelerate economic growth, cut red tape, modernise governance, and prepare Bharat for the demands of a $10 trillion economy by 2047.
