Narendra Modi is calling for Indians to further foster self-reliance through local products and services instead of going abroad to do so and to consider overseas destination weddings. His appeal came after India’s economic growth increased to 7.8% from 7.2% in the previous quarter, he said, as an indication of the collective strength and determination of the country’s people.
In a message sent from Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday morning, PM Modi congratulated citizens on what he called a “stellar” growth performance. The latest economic numbers had brought happiness across the country and credited the achievement to the hard work, determination and collective power of Indians.
The Prime Minister also put India’s economy in the context of global uncertainty. War, geopolitical tension, supply chain disruption and economic instability are continuing, he said; the world is still affected by wars, geopolitical tension, supply chain disruption and economic uncertainty. From the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, he said stability is still not in place as he spoke of the world's stability not yet being established in all parts of the world.
In spite of this, PM Modi said India is moving along at a fast pace and the country is going forward as a whole and is doing well, despite the challenges. The 7.8% growth rate in the April-June quarter was higher than many predicted and showed that the domestic economy has not been affected by foreign forces and that the domestic economy has remained strong in spite of the global crises of the economy.
Against this background, the Prime Minister has reiterated his call for citizens to embrace Swadeshi. He said a higher choice of Indian products and services would help build domestic businesses, boost domestic businesses and create jobs and help build economic opportunities and contribute to the country’s greater self-reliance ambitions.
One of his major appeals was overseas travel. PM Modi urged citizens to avoid foreign tourism when it is not necessary and instead explore the destinations we have in India. He also specifically called on families planning weddings to hold them in the country instead of arranging pricey destination weddings abroad.
The Prime Minister reiterated the idea of ‘Wed in India’ to encourage Indians to celebrate important family occasions in the country. The appeal is not only to promote Indian tourism but also to keep wedding-related spending in the domestic economy. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, event companies, artisans and local businesses can all benefit when major celebrations take place in Indian destinations.
PM Modi also asked citizens to avoid purchasing gold unless it is necessary. Gold is still an important component of Indian consumer demand and imports, and non-essential purchases can reduce foreign exchange outflow, particularly during periods of global economic uncertainty.
The appeal is a follow-up to an earlier one by the Prime Minister. He had called on people in the country to come together to help India through supply chain disruption, high prices and uncertainty due to international conflicts. Citizens were told to reduce fuel consumption, use public transport where possible, consider electric vehicles and not travel overseas too much.
The government also has repeatedly promoted Made in India products as part of the wider Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The aim is to promote domestic production, strengthen Indian companies and reduce too much reliance on imported goods.
PM Modi stated that the economic progress of the country should not only be celebrated but should also motivate citizens to work harder towards the goal of a developed India. He also said that in the future, self-reliance and collective effort will be required for India to realize the vision of a Viksit Bharat by the centenary of independence.
The Prime Minister’s message therefore combines the current economic growth figures with a wider appeal for behavioral change among citizens. From choosing Indian products to traveling domestically, holding weddings in India and limiting unnecessary gold purchases, the focus remains on keeping more economic activity within the country.
As India continues to advance its economy despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty abroad, the government focuses on domestic consumption, local manufacturing and self-reliance as the focal point of its economic story. PM Modi’s 7.8% GDP growth, on a global economic basis, shows that India is still able to achieve progress, and it gives a boost to our economy as a whole.
