September 21, 2025

On September 21, 2025, as the much-anticipated GST rate cuts take effect, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a fiery speech urging everyone to slam the brakes on foreign-made goods and instead embrace local products. Speaking directly to the nation, Modi said, "A lot of products we use daily are foreign made, we just don't know... we will have to get rid of them." He boldly called for using "products that are made in India," without naming any specific country but clearly hinting at strained trade ties with the United States. The backdrop: US President Donald Trump has slapped a whopping 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, stirring friction between the two big economies. Modi’s push for 'Swadeshi' isn’t just patriotic talk—it’s a full-on campaign! His supporters are already boycotting major American brands like McDonald's, Pepsi, and Apple, despite their massive popularity across Indian cities and towns. India’s huge 1.4 billion population makes it a juicy market for US consumer goods, often bought through Amazon.com, the giant online store. But Modi wants shopkeepers to rake in profits by selling Indian-made products, hoping this move will spark big economic growth. Many companies have jumped on the bandwagon, boosting the spotlight on local goods. On the political front, India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is gearing up for crucial trade talks in Washington, aiming to ease the chilly relations between the two nations. But Modi’s clear message remains: "We should buy products that are made in India." So, as GST tax cuts roll out, the Swadeshi spirit is blazing more than ever in the heart of India!

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Tags: Narendra modi, Swadeshi, India-usa trade, Foreign products boycott, Made in india, Gst rate cuts,