New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday renewed his call for “Vocal for Local,” urging traders and shopkeepers across the country to prioritise Indian-made goods. His appeal comes against the backdrop of fresh trade tensions after US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian products.
Speaking at an inauguration event in Delhi, Modi said supporting local products would strengthen the economy and ensure that money spent by Indians stays within the country.
“Have faith in Indian goods. If you are Indian, buy only goods made in India. You should decide to choose items made by our own people,” the Prime Minister said. “I appeal to traders and shopkeepers: please join me in this mission. This will directly benefit the country.”
The push comes shortly after the US administration announced a 50% tariff package on Indian exports, including an additional 25% duty on India’s purchase of Russian oil, effective from August 27. New Delhi has strongly criticised the move, calling it “unjustified and unreasonable.”
Modi pointed out how Indians had already embraced the Vocal for Local campaign in several sectors, citing khadi and mobile phones as examples. “Eleven years ago, India imported most of its mobile phones. Today, we produce 30–35 crore phones annually, and are even exporting them. This is the power of trust in Indian goods,” he noted.
The Prime Minister linked his call to the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. In his Independence Day address, Modi highlighted self-reliance in defence, energy and agriculture as crucial for India’s future. He stressed that India will never compromise on protecting the interests of farmers, livestock rearers and fishermen.
“Energy self-reliance will help us cut imports and redirect resources to farmers and the poor,” he said, while underlining India’s expanding initiatives in solar, hydrogen and nuclear power.
Modi also announced a new Reform Task Force aimed at driving next-generation reforms to modernise governance, cut red tape, and accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a $10 trillion economy by 2047.
