Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged greater self-reliance in manufacturing, from fertilizers to jet engines and EV batteries, while vowing to protect farmers amid rising trade tensions with Washington, according to Reuters.
In his Independence Day address, Modi promoted “Swadeshi” goods, announced lower GST rates from October, and said India would soon launch homegrown semiconductor chips and boost critical mineral exploration.
The remarks follow US President Donald Trump’s steep new tariffs — up to 50 percent on some Indian exports — over New Delhi’s continued Russian oil imports. The move hit key sectors like textiles and jewellery and came after trade talks collapsed over farm and dairy market access. While avoiding direct mention of the US, Modi pledged to shield farmers from any harmful policy, Reuters reported.
