New Delhi 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday indirectly responded to former US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks labelling India’s economy as “dead,” asserting that India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy and must remain vigilant in protecting its interests amid global instability. Addressing a rally in Varanasi, PM Modi stressed the importance of economic self-reliance and reiterated his government’s commitment to farmers, small industries, and youth employment. His remarks came just days after Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports and warned of further economic penalties over India’s continued trade with Russia.
“There is an atmosphere of global instability. All countries are focusing on their individual interests. India is set to become the third biggest economy in the world, and that is why India will have to stay alert as far as its economic interests are concerned,” the Prime Minister said.
While Modi did not mention Trump by name, his comments were seen as a veiled retort to the US President’s assertion that India’s economy had “tanked” and that it relies heavily on American markets.
Underscoring India’s economic resilience, Modi called on citizens and the business community to support indigenous production through a renewed commitment to the ‘vocal for local’ movement.
“We will buy only those things that are made by Indians. We need to become vocal for local,” he urged the crowd, calling for a nationwide resolve to buy and promote ‘swadeshi’ products.
Source : Hindustan times
