In a public speech on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked citizens to stop using foreign-made products and instead use local products, and promoted a self-reliant campaign when trade relations with the United States became sour.
After U.S. President Donald Trump Imposed Modi has been urging the use of “imported Indian goods” with a 50% tariff.Swadeshi“, or Indian merchandise. His supporters have begun campaigns to boycott American brands, including McDonald’s, Pepsi and Apple, which are very popular in India.
“Many of the products we use every day are made in foreign countries and we just don’t know…we are going to have to get rid of them,” Modes said to the country before implementing a widespread consumer tax cut on Monday.
He added: “We should buy products made in India.”
India’s 1.4 billion people are the main market for consumer goods in the United States, usually purchased from Amazon, an American online retailer. Over the years, the reach of American brands has penetrated into smaller towns.
Modi also asked store owners to focus on Indian products in retail, believing that this will boost economic growth in the country.
In recent weeks, many companies have increased their promotion of local merchandise.
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to visit Washington soon for trade talks, the trip will be underway in an effort to ease the dual ties.
