FROM MAHATMA GANDHI TO PM MODI, SWADESHI AND VOCAL FOR LOCAL AS INDIA’S ANSWER TO GLOBAL TRADE WARS
New Delhi, Aug 14, 2025 : The Swadeshi Movement, championed by Mahatma Gandhi, was a clarion call for self-reliance that shook the foundations of British colonial rule. Today, as India faces the threat of more than 25 percent tariff from US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” campaign revives this spirit, positioning India to weather global economic headwinds. With the festival and wedding seasons approaching, PM Modi has urged citizens to prioritize Made-in-India goods, echoing Gandhi’s vision of economic independence.
As Gandhi famously said, “The spirit of Swadeshi carries with it the idea of self-restraint and self-reliance, which is the truest test of human efficiency.” This quote encapsulates the enduring power of Swadeshi, which, reimagined through initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, empowers India to chart its own course, proving that the nation’s economic strength lies within its borders. The idea drives home the point that true strength lies in becoming self-reliant and resourceful, rather than relying on material possessions or external support.
Gandhi’s Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911) was a powerful instrument of resistance, urging Indians to boycott foreign goods and embrace indigenous products. This strategy not only weakened colonial economic control but also instilled a sense of pride and self-sufficiency. The movement’s success in mobilizing millions demonstrated the power of collective action.
Fast forward to 2025, PM Modi’s call for “Vocal for Local” carries the same spirit, urging citizens to buy Indian-made goods to strengthen the domestic economy. At a time when global uncertainties loom, Modi’s appeal to sell only Swadeshi products in shops and markets is a rallying cry for national unity. As he stated, promoting Made-in-India goods is the “truest service to the country,” a sentiment that resonates with Gandhi’s vision of economic empowerment.
India’s economic resilience is underpinned by its diversified trade relationships. Unlike the past, when colonial dependence shaped trade, India now exports to Europe, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries, with the US accounting for less than 3% of its GDP, as noted in economic analyses. This diversification shields India from the impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs, which, while disruptive, cannot derail an economy projected to grow at 6.7 percent in FY26 and FY27, according to the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report (January 2025).
The International Monetary Fund’s 2025 forecast of 6.5 percent growth further reinforces India’s robust trajectory. With a nominal GDP of USD 4.187 trillion, surpassing Japan in 2025, India stands as the world’s fourth-largest economy, on track to overtake Germany by 2028. This economic clout, driven by domestic consumption and global trade, makes India a formidable player.
The demographic advantage of India’s young population, with a median age of 28.8 years (UN Population Statistics, 2024), fuels its economic dynamism. Unlike ageing economies like the US (median age 38.5) or Europe (42.8), India’s youthful workforce drives innovation and consumption. The Swadeshi spirit finds expression in rural artisans and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of the economy. Modi’s policies, such as the MUDRA scheme and PM Kisan, empower rural entrepreneurs and farmers, aligning with Gandhi’s focus on village economies. By prioritizing farmers, small industries, and youth employment, the government ensures inclusive growth, reducing vulnerability to external sanctions. The push for local products during festive seasons, from Durga Puja and Diwali to weddings, further boosts these sectors, creating a ripple effect across the economy.
The Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives are modern interpretations of Swadeshi, aiming to increase manufacturing’s share in GDP, reduce import reliance, and create jobs. Since its launch in 2014, Make in India has attracted significant investment, with electronics manufacturing seeing value addition rise from 30 percent to 70 percent, projected to reach 90 percent by FY27, according to an Axis Capital report. The India Semiconductor Mission positions the country as a global hub for electronics, while the wind power sector aims to meet 10 percent of global demand by 2030. These efforts mirror Gandhi’s call for indigenous industries, cultivating a self-reliant ecosystem. Infrastructure development, skill training, and startup growth—India now boasts over 100,000 startups—further strengthen this ecosystem, ensuring that tariff pressures are mere bumps on the road.
India’s journey from Gandhi’s Swadeshi to Modi’s vision reflects a remarkable transformation—from tractors to tech titans. The startup ecosystem, fueled by young innovators, embodies the Swadeshi spirit in fields like artificial intelligence and green energy. India’s space achievements, including the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission launched in July 2025, highlight its technological prowess. By promoting local innovation and manufacturing, India reduces dependence on foreign goods, much like Gandhi’s boycott of British textiles. This self-reliance, coupled with a diversified export base and inclusive policies, ensures that India can brave any tariff or sanction. As PM Modi emphasizes, embracing Swadeshi is not just an economic strategy but a tribute to Gandhi’s dream, shaping a future where India stands tall as a global economic leader.