PM pitches for Swadeshi in Varanasi, says India on its way to become world's third-largest economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Varanasi today, backed 'Swadeshi' products, further stating that India is on its way to becoming the third-largest economy of the world.

PM Modi's statements were in response to Donald Trump's remark calling India 'a dead economy' while commenting on its trade with Russia. He also batted for Swadeshi amid US tariff hikes on India and other countries, pointing out the ' current global instability'.  

He said, "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 far as its economic interests are concerned." 

Further adding, "Our Government is doing everything it can in the best interest of the country...Those who want the best for the country and want to see India as the third biggest economy in the world, be it any political party, should leave their differences aside and instill a resolution for 'swadeshi' products." 

Calling Swadeshi a way forward towards empowerment, the PM called out, "We will buy only those things that are made by Indian traders and shopkeepers. We need to become vocal for local. Promoting Made in India goods will be the truest service to the country." 

Rs 2200 crore developmental projects unveiled in  Varanasi

Upon his visit to Varanasi, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of developmental projects worth Rs 2200 crore, across various sectors - Education, Health, Infrastructure, Urban development, among others: 

• PM Kisan Yojana's 20th installment was paid directly into the accounts of 9.7 crore farmers. An amount of Rs 20,500 crore was transferred under the scheme. 
• A new railway overbridge at Hardattpur on the Mohansarai-Adalpura stretch, Level Crossing 22C, and Khalispur Yard. 
• Strengthening of the Varanasi-Bhadohi road and Chhitauni-Shool Tankeshwar road.
• Urban and rural road projects, including corridors at Lahartara-Kotwa, Dalmandi, Gangapur, and Babatpur.
• Various power works will be carried out under the Smart Distribution Project, with an electrical infrastructure boost worth Rs 880 crore.
• Redevelopment of 8 riverfront Kuccha ghats, with development works at Kalika Dham, beautification of Rangildas Kutiya, and restoration as well as water purification of Durgakund.
• Restoration of Kardameshwar Mahadev temple, development of Karkhiyaon, Munshi Premchand's ancestral home in Lamahi, among others.
• Inauguration of 47 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Upgradation of 53 new school buildings and foundation of various educational institutions.
• Advanced medical equipment installations at Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre and Homi Bhabha Cancer Care Hospital.
• Foundation of a Homeopathic College and Hospital and inauguration of an Animal Birth Control Centre with an associated dog care centre.

US Tariffs on India

India will be charged 25% tariffs on importing products to USA under the "reciprocal tariffs" launched by the Trump administration. Apart from this, it will also have to pay an additional penalty for buying Russian oil and military equipment amid the war with Ukraine. 

Trump also had a tirade against India for the New Delhi-Moscow ties, commenting that both countries as "dead economies". He also said it doesn't matter to him what India does with Russia. 

Posting on his Truth Social account, Trump said, "I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care."