Modi’s call to ‘buy Indian’ resonates across political and trade circles

New Delhi: A nationwide push to promote indigenous products gained momentum on Sunday as top Union ministers, state leaders, and national trade associations rallied behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fresh call to prioritise Indian-made goods.

The appeal, made during the disbursement of the 20th instalment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi in Varanasi on Saturday, is being widely interpreted as a strategic move to bolster the economy, support local producers, and reinforce the government’s economic vision amid political sparring.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan echoed the Prime Minister’s message, urging every citizen to commit to the nation by choosing products made in India. “Why should our money go abroad? Let it provide livelihoods to our own children. I will live for my country, and you too should live for the country… which means, buy only products that are Made in India,” he said.

Chouhan emphasised that the rapidly growing Indian economy — currently the fourth largest globally — could soon claim the third spot if the domestic market of 1.44 billion people wholeheartedly backed Indian producers. He highlighted how increased demand for indigenous goods would benefit farmers, artisans, and small businesses, reinforcing the country’s economic backbone.

New campaign

In support of this vision, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) announced the launch of a national campaign titled “Indian Goods – Our Pride,” starting August 10. CAIT Secretary General and MP Praveen Khandelwal said the campaign would engage over 48,000 trade associations across the country and promote the sale and consumption of Indian-made products. “The Prime Minister’s call reinforces the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. If we distance ourselves from monopolistic foreign practices, our domestic trade will be stronger and jobs will increase,” he noted.

The campaign will involve rallies, social media drives, and awareness programmes in schools, colleges, and markets, with the slogan “Only Indian Goods Sold Here” displayed prominently in retail spaces. CAIT leaders underscored that supporting Indian goods not only fuels economic growth but also protects cultural heritage and local industries.

Ministers push back against Congress

Meanwhile, BJP leaders including Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pushed back against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s recent social media remark calling the Indian economy “dead,” in line with a controversial comment by US President Donald Trump. Citing the latest IMF World Economic Outlook report, they highlighted India’s projected growth rate of 6.4 per cent in 2025 and 2026—the highest among major economies.

“Despite global uncertainties, India remains the fastest-growing economy,” said Puri. Fadnavis attributed this sustained performance to “focused governance, structural reforms, and unwavering commitment to a Viksit Bharat,” adding that India had risen from 11th place in 2013-14 to the world’s fifth-largest economy, with the fourth spot now within reach.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and others echoed the sentiment, stating that India’s economic fundamentals remained strong and resilient, contrasting sharply with the ‘Fragile Five’ label once used to describe the country a decade ago.

- with inputs from IANS and ANI