PM: Countries following self-centred economic policies

AHMEDABAD: Just two days ahead of the Aug 27 deadline for US President Donald Trump's proposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, PM Narendra Modi on Monday underlined the challenge of "self-centred economic policies" and called on citizens and businesses to embrace Swadeshi - urging them to buy and sell only 'Made in India' products to make the country self-reliant and developed.

"I am asking our shopkeepers and traders. Do not sell foreign goods. This will provide a huge boost to the Make in India movement," the PM said, adding that he would not cave in to pressure.

The pitch for Swadeshi came at a time of uncertainty over whether Trump would Wednesday carry out his threat to slap an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, with many considering the remark about “self-centered economic policies” to be a reference to Washington’s switch to extractive mercantilism.

Modi avoided mentioning names but made plain his intent not to succumb to pressure, emphasising that the interests of farmers and small businesses was paramount. “For Modi, the interests of farmers, cattle-rearers and small-scale industries are paramount. Pressure on us may increase, but we will bear it all,” the PM affirmed. He hit out at Congress, saying the party which ruled India for 60-65 years, made the nation dependent on other countries in order to indulge in “import scams”.

Seeking to promote Swadeshi, he said : “Festivals are coming... From the land of revered Bapu Mahatma Gandhi, I am repeatedly urging countrymen to make it their life mantra — whatever we buy will be Made in India, it will be Swadeshi. Whatever items are for home decoration, let them be Made in India. If you want to give a gift to friends, let it be a gift made in India, made by the people of India,” urged Modi, addressing a public meeting in east Ahmedabad.

PM laid foundation stones and unveiled projects worth Rs 5,477 crore for Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Mehsana districts in Gujarat.

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