‘Whatever We Can Make in India, We Must’: PM Modi On Self-Reliance And Swadeshi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a 19-minute address to the nation on Sunday, September 21, emphasized self-reliance, manufacturing, and small industry, highlighting the importance of "swadeshi" and "Made in India" products amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

"Whatever we can make in our country, we must," PM Modi said, urging citizens and businesses to take pride in producing and purchasing Indian-made goods. While he did not specifically mention the US or President Donald Trump, his speech underscored the swadeshi narrative, a theme consistently highlighted since India faced steep US tariffs.

The tariffs mainly impact India's exports to the US, which remain lower than imports, but Modi focused on fostering pride in domestic manufacturing. "From small shopkeepers to consumers, everyone should feel proud to say, 'I sell swadeshi,' 'I buy swadeshi,'" he said.

The first half of his speech focused on GST reforms, which take effect on September 22. These reforms include rate rationalization that lowers prices of hundreds of essential goods. Combined with Income Tax relief-effectively zero tax for individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually-the GST changes are projected to generate savings of ₹2.5 lakh crore for Indian households.

While the government clarified that the GST rate cuts are unrelated to US tariffs, BJP leaders and allies suggested an indirect benefit: lower domestic prices may boost consumption within India, reducing dependence on exports to the US or other markets.

Trade negotiations between India and the US are ongoing. India's commerce minister is scheduled to travel to the US on September 22 for the next round of discussions aimed at resolving trade-related issues.