August 2, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today delivered a powerful, indirect rebuttal to President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of the Indian economy, asserting that the country is on a path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy and must protect its interests. While addressing a rally in Varanasi, the Prime Minister did not name Trump but his comments were widely seen as a response to the US President’s claim that India’s economy was “dead” and his recent announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian imports.
“There is an atmosphere of global instability. All countries are focusing on their individual interests. India is set 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,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underscored his government’s focus on economic self-reliance. He urged citizens, businesses, and all political parties to embrace the ‘vocal for local’ and ‘swadeshi’ movements, calling for a nationwide resolve to buy and promote indigenous products. “We will buy only those things that are made by Indians. We need to become vocal for local,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth ₹2,200 crore in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency. The projects aim to modernize key roads, railway overbridges, and transportation corridors in the region.