Prime Minister Narendra Modi has renewed his call to embrace Swadeshi goods and avoid unnecessary purchases of gold and destination weddings abroad. In a video message, Prime Minister asked Indians to shun leisure trips abroad, avoid getting married overseas and refrain from buying gold unless necessary. Mr Modi congratulated the country on recording 7.8 percent economic growth and spoke of the need to promote self-reliance and give greater emphasis to swadeshi products.
The prime minister said India is progressing rapidly despite global uncertainty, wars, crises and disruptions to supply chains. Taking a swipe at his critics, he said some people within the country, “drowned in an atmosphere of despair”, are spreading the “lies” all around.
Mr Modi said the country’s youth will see their dreams being realised through the hard work being put in today. He also called on citizens to continue contributing to the country’s progress, saying the government’s policies and intentions are right.
Gold is India’s second-largest import item after oil. Stopping bulk gold purchases dramatically cuts down the country’s collective import bill.
