India Pushes “Made-in-India” Campaign Amid US Trade Tensions
Modi Urges Citizens to Prioritize Local Products
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on citizens to choose locally made products over foreign goods, promoting a self-reliant “Swadeshi” approach as trade relations with the United States remain strained.
In a public address on Sunday, Modi highlighted the importance of supporting India’s own industries, especially following US President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50% tariff on certain Indian imports.
“A lot of products we use daily are foreign-made, often without our realization. We need to transition towards locally made goods,” Modi said. “We should buy products that are made in India.”
Although he did not mention any specific country, his comments have fueled campaigns to boycott popular American brands, including Apple, which enjoy widespread popularity across India.
India: A Major Market for US Goods
With a population of 1.4 billion, India represents a huge market for American consumer goods, often purchased through platforms like Amazon.com. Over the years, US brands have expanded beyond major cities into smaller towns, making Modi’s push for local consumption a significant challenge for global companies.
Encouraging Retailers to Stock Local Goods
Modi also urged shopkeepers to prioritize made-in-India products, stressing that boosting domestic consumption will strengthen the nation’s economy. Reflecting this initiative, many Indian companies have recently increased marketing campaigns for local products.
Upcoming Trade Talks in Washington
India’s Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, is expected to visit Washington soon for trade discussions. This visit comes amid efforts to ease bilateral tensions and could play a pivotal role in shaping future economic ties between India and the United States.