Prime Minister Narendra Modi has renewed his call for greater self-reliance and the promotion of Indian-made products, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary spending abroad and give preference to domestic alternatives. Speaking from Bishkek, where he is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Modi linked his appeal to India’s economic performance and said the country was continuing to progress despite global uncertainty, wars and disruptions to supply chains.

Modi specifically asked Indians to reconsider leisure trips abroad, overseas weddings and unnecessary purchases of gold. He said foreign travel for leisure should be avoided where possible and that people should not choose to get married abroad. He also advised citizens against buying gold unless it was necessary. His remarks were framed as part of a broader appeal to strengthen the domestic economy by encouraging greater emphasis on swadeshi products and reducing avoidable expenditure outside the country.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Indians after the country recorded 7.8% economic growth. He said the pace of growth demonstrated the resilience of the Indian economy despite several international challenges. Modi argued that increasing the focus on swadeshi and self-reliance would help strengthen the country further. He said he had firm faith that continued emphasis on these areas would help India present a developed nation to its younger generation when the country completes 100 years of independence.

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Modi also appeared to target his political critics while discussing India’s economic performance. He said the country was progressing rapidly despite global crises and supply-chain disruptions, while some people within India were, according to him, “drowned in an atmosphere of despair” and spreading what he described as “jhooth ki goonj”. The phrase appeared to be a reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign, a student-focused outreach initiative that has raised issues including unemployment, examination paper leaks and concerns surrounding the education system.

The Prime Minister said India needed to maintain its current growth momentum and continue overcoming challenges emerging from the global economic and geopolitical environment. His comments placed the 7.8% growth figure within a wider argument that domestic consumption, self-reliance and greater preference for Indian products could contribute to long-term economic strength. The appeal for swadeshi also extends beyond individual purchases, reflecting the government's broader emphasis on reducing dependence on overseas markets and strengthening domestic production and demand.

Modi said the aspirations of India’s young population would be fulfilled through the work being undertaken today. His message combined the latest economic growth figure with a longer-term vision of a developed India, urging citizens to contribute through their consumption choices and support for domestic products. The remarks come as the government continues to emphasise economic resilience and self-reliance while India faces an uncertain global environment marked by conflicts, supply-chain disruptions and changing international economic conditions.

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