One Step That Could Defuse Trump’s Tariff Threat, Echoed by India’s Prime Minister

National News: At a Suzuki Motors event in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprised people by redefining the idea of ​​Swadeshi. He said that it does not matter to him whose money it is and from which country it comes—whether it is dollar or pound, black or white. The real meaning lies in the hard work and sweat that is shed in India.

From Independence Day to Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Modi has earlier also given the slogans of 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in his speeches. This time he has appealed to make Swadeshi a movement. The question is whether this call is connected to Gandhiji's idea in which Swadeshi was not just a boycott of foreign goods but a path to an exploitation-free society and economic independence.

Global pressure and the challenge of Trump's tariff

In today's situation, the biggest challenge before India is the tariff policy of US President Donald Trump. America wants India to trade on its terms and also decide strategic partnerships as per its wish. Differences remain on issues like opening up the agricultural sector. At such a time, Modi's emphasis on Swadeshi gives a message of self-reliance and saving national pride.

Historical context: From self-reliance to green revolution

In the history of India, many leaders have called for self-reliance. Lal Bahadur Shastri opened the way for the Green Revolution by ending dependence on American wheat. Indira Gandhi also gave the slogan of self-reliance. But no prime minister directly talked about giving Swadeshi the form of a movement.

Liberalization and changing economic equations

The liberalization policy that started in the 90s changed the economic direction of India. From PV Narasimha Rao to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, all the governments took it forward. The Modi government has also opened many strategic sectors, including defense, for foreign investment. In such a situation, the question arises whether products made with foreign capital can be called Swadeshi.

Gandhi's philosophy of Swadeshi and Khadi

For Gandhiji, Swadeshi was not only a symbol of self-reliance but also a tool to empower the poor and rural India. Khadi was not just a cloth for him but a path to economic independence. If we compare Modi's call for Swadeshi with Gandhi's idea, the difference is clearly visible.
The need for real Swadeshi

Today, when the world is facing challenges like war, climate change, and economic crisis, Gandhiji's Swadeshi becomes even more relevant. Judicious use of limited resources and promotion of local economy is the real path to sustainable development.