Saralnama
On 27 Aug 2025, the US imposed 50% tariffs on many Indian exports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at Maruti Suzuki's electric vehicle plant in Gujarat. He said Swadeshi means products made in India, no matter whose money is invested. Modi’s view differs from Gandhi’s, who linked Swadeshi to Indian-made goods by Indian hands only. The idea of Swadeshi started in 1905 during protests against Bengal’s partition and grew under Gandhi as a fight against British rule. Gandhi promoted khadi and spinning wheels to support Indian-made clothes. After independence, leaders like Nehru focused on self-reliance and public sector growth. Later, India opened its economy in 1991. Modi’s current Swadeshi supports production in India regardless of foreign investment. The Congress criticized this as a cover for diplomatic failure. BJP leaders say Swadeshi reflects India’s identity and independence spirit. (Updated 27 Aug 2025, 20:46 IST; source: link)