NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sent a clear message to the United States amid an escalating trade standoff, saying the welfare of farmers, small industries and youth remains the government’s “top priority.”
“India is set to become the world’s third largest economy... therefore, India must remain vigilant about its economic interests. Our farmers, our small industries, employment for our youth... their welfare is our top priority. The government is making every effort in this direction,” PM Modi said in Varanasi.
"I earnestly request my brothers and sisters in the business community today that, when the world is going through such an atmosphere of instability, we too should sell only indigenous goods . This resolve will also be a true service to the nation. Every moment, we will now buy only indigenous goods. This will be a great tribute to Mahatma Gandhi," he added.
The remark came as US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods, alongside a warning of further penalties over India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment.
'Whoever attacks India won’t survive even in hell'
On his first visit to Varanasi following the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in April, PM Modi also sent a message to Pakistan, declaring that those who attack India “will not survive even in hell”.
Also read: PM Modi flags off Rs 2,200 crore projects in Varanasi; releases 20th instalment of PM-Kisan scheme
PM Modi said the success of Operation Sindoor had not only avenged the victims but also showcased India’s “fierce form” to the world. He dedicated the operation to “Mahadev” and the sindoor of the daughters who were killed in Pahalgam, linking the retaliation to divine justice and national pride. “I fulfilled it with the blessings of Mahadev,” he said, referring to his vow of revenge.
“This is the first time I have come to Kashi after Operation Sindoor... I had pledged to take revenge for my daughters' sindoor, and I fulfilled it with the blessings of Mahadev,” Modi said. “Operation Sindoor showed the world India’s fierce form. Whoever attacks India won't survive even in hell.”
He accused Congress and the Samajwadi Party of “crying along with Pakistan” and undermining the armed forces. “Congress has called Operation Sindoor a 'tamasha'... Should I call and ask them before taking any action?” he said.
Calling for an economic resolve to match military strength, Modi urged Indians to reject foreign goods. “I earnestly request my brothers and sisters in the business community... we too should sell only indigenous goods. Every moment, we will now buy only indigenous goods. This will be a great tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.”
PM Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 development projects worth over Rs 2,180 crore, transferred Rs 20,500 crore to farmers under PM-Kisan, and launched initiatives in healthcare, education, tourism, infrastructure and rural development.
Trade standoff continues
Trump’s remarks came a day after the White House confirmed sweeping new trade measures affecting 70 countries, including India. “India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25 per cent, plus a penalty for the above,” Trump said, criticising India’s high tariffs and its “vast” military and energy ties with Russia.
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” he added in a post on Truth Social.
In response, ministry of external affairs (MEA) defended its position, stressing that the country’s energy policy is driven by national interest. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We take decisions based on the price at which oil is available in the international market and depending on the global situation at that time.”
“India is set to become the world’s third largest economy... therefore, India must remain vigilant about its economic interests. Our farmers, our small industries, employment for our youth... their welfare is our top priority. The government is making every effort in this direction,” PM Modi said in Varanasi.
"I earnestly request my brothers and sisters in the business community today that, when the world is going through such an atmosphere of instability, we too should sell only indigenous goods . This resolve will also be a true service to the nation. Every moment, we will now buy only indigenous goods. This will be a great tribute to Mahatma Gandhi," he added.
#WATCH | Varanasi, UP: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... There is an atmosphere of global instability. All countries are focusing on their individual interests. India is going to become the third biggest economy in the world and that is why India will have to stay alert as… pic.twitter.com/rNb3Yu4HK6
— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2025
The remark came as US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods, alongside a warning of further penalties over India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment.
'Whoever attacks India won’t survive even in hell'
On his first visit to Varanasi following the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in April, PM Modi also sent a message to Pakistan, declaring that those who attack India “will not survive even in hell”.
Also read: PM Modi flags off Rs 2,200 crore projects in Varanasi; releases 20th instalment of PM-Kisan scheme
PM Modi said the success of Operation Sindoor had not only avenged the victims but also showcased India’s “fierce form” to the world. He dedicated the operation to “Mahadev” and the sindoor of the daughters who were killed in Pahalgam, linking the retaliation to divine justice and national pride. “I fulfilled it with the blessings of Mahadev,” he said, referring to his vow of revenge.
“This is the first time I have come to Kashi after Operation Sindoor... I had pledged to take revenge for my daughters' sindoor, and I fulfilled it with the blessings of Mahadev,” Modi said. “Operation Sindoor showed the world India’s fierce form. Whoever attacks India won't survive even in hell.”
He accused Congress and the Samajwadi Party of “crying along with Pakistan” and undermining the armed forces. “Congress has called Operation Sindoor a 'tamasha'... Should I call and ask them before taking any action?” he said.
Calling for an economic resolve to match military strength, Modi urged Indians to reject foreign goods. “I earnestly request my brothers and sisters in the business community... we too should sell only indigenous goods. Every moment, we will now buy only indigenous goods. This will be a great tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.”
PM Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 development projects worth over Rs 2,180 crore, transferred Rs 20,500 crore to farmers under PM-Kisan, and launched initiatives in healthcare, education, tourism, infrastructure and rural development.
Trade standoff continues
Trump’s remarks came a day after the White House confirmed sweeping new trade measures affecting 70 countries, including India. “India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25 per cent, plus a penalty for the above,” Trump said, criticising India’s high tariffs and its “vast” military and energy ties with Russia.
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” he added in a post on Truth Social.
In response, ministry of external affairs (MEA) defended its position, stressing that the country’s energy policy is driven by national interest. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We take decisions based on the price at which oil is available in the international market and depending on the global situation at that time.”
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