Sending a strong message amid US tariff and penalty threats, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday declared that India is “unstoppable” and must showcase its strength in global markets through quality products.
In his Independence Day address, he added that the country will safeguard farmers’ interests and reject any policies that could harm them.
His remarks came as tensions grew between India and the US, following Washington’s decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent.
“This is the time to script history. We have to rule the world market. We have to lower production costs. It is time to prove our mettle in global markets with quality products,” the PM said from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
“Daam Kam, Dum Zyada (less price, higher quality) should be the mantra (goal). Economic selfishness is on the rise. Don’t worry about the other county. It is time to move ahead and meet our goals,” he added.
He said it is time to commit to building a ‘Samarth Bharat’ (strong India), just as the nation’s freedom fighters once dreamed of a “free India.” “We should not waste our energy in belittling others; our focus should be on strengthening ourselves,” he said.
“The past decade focused on reform, perform and transform; now we have to focus on greater goals. We want our traders, shopkeepers to display boards for ‘Swadeshi’ products. If you need any change in government policies, do let me know,” he said, as he pushed for “Made in India” products.
PM Modi said that India has to broaden its horizons, and the world will take note of our progress. “We must chart our own path. We have weeded out unnecessary compliances. India is unstoppable, and this is an opportunity to dream big,” he said.
He also made it clear that his government will not tolerate any anti-farmer policies. “Modi will stand like a wall for the farmers. I will not abandon my farmers. Farmers contribute a lot to our economy; they have made India a top producer of several commodities,” he said.
US President Donald Trump intensified his tariff measures against India on August 6, first imposing an additional 25 per cent duty on Indian goods and then doubling it to 50 per cent, citing New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian oil.
India slammed the move as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” warning it could severely impact sectors like textiles, marine products, and leather exports. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that India would not yield to economic pressure.
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