Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday indirectly responded to former US President Donald Trump’s recent claim that India’s economy is “dead,” asserting that the country is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy and must safeguard its interests amid global uncertainty.
Speaking at a rally in Varanasi, Modi stressed the need for economic self-reliance and urged citizens, businesses, and political parties to unite behind the vocal for local movement. “There is global instability. All countries are focusing on their own interests. India is set to become the third biggest economy in the world, and that is why we must stay alert to protect our economic interests,” he said.
Without naming Trump, Modi’s remarks were widely seen as a rebuttal to the former US President’s comments, which came alongside Washington’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Indian imports over continued trade with Russia.
The Prime Minister called for national unity in promoting Indian-made goods. “We will buy only those things that are made by Indians. Be it any political party, if they want the best for the country, they should leave differences aside and resolve to go swadeshi,” he said.
Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to farmers, small industries, and youth employment, while appealing to the business community to prioritise domestic products.
Earlier, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for ₹2,200 crore worth of infrastructure projects in Varanasi, including road upgrades, railway overbridges, and urban transport improvements.
