Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi states that India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy

India is on track to be the world's third-largest economy, with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi emphasizing the need for the nation to stay focused on its economic priorities in the face of global instability and uncertainty. Addressing a public gathering in his Varanasi constituency, he observed that during these unpredictable times, nations are prioritizing their own interests. In this context, he reiterated his call for a "Swadeshi" (indigenous) movement, emphasizing that all citizens, leaders, and political parties should support local products to fulfill India's economic objectives. He particularly called on traders and shopkeepers to commit to selling exclusively Swadeshi products. He also urged consumers to be conscious of their buying decisions, prompting them to reflect on whether an Indian's effort and expertise contributed to the making of the item. He championed the slogan "Vocal for Local." He mentioned that a sense of Swadeshi in every action will shape India's future and contribute to realizing the vision of a developed India. His comments on economic advancement came after a time of tension in trade ties with the United States. The US President had earlier declared an extra 25% import tax on Indian products, in addition to an unnamed "penalty" for India's acquisition of crude oil and military supplies from Russia. The US President referred to India's trade policies as "extremely rigorous and unpleasant." Union Minister of Commerce Mr. Piyush Goyal remarked that India is the fastest-growing major economy globally and is anticipated to be the third-largest in a few years. He further stated that India would implement all essential actions to safeguard and promote its national interests and that the consequences of the US tariffs were under evaluation. The US tariff measures are seen as a strategy to compel India to comply with US requests, especially concerning duty concessions.