Modi Urges Boycott of Foreign Goods Amid US Tariff Spat

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on his country's citizens to abandon foreign goods and switch to local products. This statement came amid a sharp deterioration in trade relations with Washington and the imposition of punitive tariffs on Indian imports by the United States. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the vital necessity of supporting the national economy. He called on citizens and especially shops to focus on selling Indian-made goods. This move, reminiscent of the historic "Swadeshi" (local) movement, is aimed at promoting economic self-sufficiency.

The current phase of tension is due to the imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Indian imports by the US since August 27. This move by Washington is a response to India's increased purchases of Russian oil, which, according to the US, helps Moscow circumvent sanctions. American tariffs have mainly hit Indian textiles, jewelry, and furniture. Instead, pharmaceutical products and electronics were left out of this list.

In response to Washington's pressure and Modi's call, campaigns to boycott famous American brands have gained momentum in India. Large companies such as McDonald's, Pepsi, and Apple have become the target of public discontent. Despite the economic confrontation, New Delhi is seeking to resolve the issue at the negotiating table. In the near future, India's Commerce Minister Goyal will travel to Washington for negotiations.

The main task of these negotiations will be to reduce the heightened trade tensions between the two countries. Against this background, the initiative to boycott American products, in any case, promises a positive outcome for India. If, as a result, it has a stronger position in the diplomatic confrontation with the US and receives certain concessions from Washington, it will win, and if Trump does not yield, the boycott of non-national products will, in any case, contribute to the revitalization of local producers.