Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of India’s farmers, small entrepreneurs, and cattle-rearers.
Speaking at a public rally at Khodaldham ground in Ahmedabad, Modi’s words resonated with defiance as he addressed looming trade tensions with the United States, where President Donald Trump’s new 50% tariffs on Indian goods are set to take effect on August 27.
With global economic pressures mounting, the Prime Minister’s pledge to safeguard the backbone of India’s rural economy struck a powerful chord.
A Defiant Stand Against External Pressures
Modi’s speech came at a critical juncture, just two days before the US imposes an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, bringing the total to 50%. The move, partly in retaliation for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, has sparked concerns about its impact on Indian businesses. Without directly naming the US, Modi alluded to the “politics driven by economic self-interest” dominating the global stage. “From this land of Ahmedabad, I assure my small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, farmers, and cattle-rearers — your interests are paramount for me,” he declared, invoking the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi to underscore his resolve.
The Prime Minister vowed that his government would not buckle under any pressure, stating, “No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep strengthening our resolve to protect our people.” He highlighted the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Campaign), crediting Gujarat’s two decades of hard work for energising the nation’s push for self-reliance. Modi also urged citizens to embrace ‘Swadeshi’ principles, calling for the purchase of Made-in-India products during the upcoming festive season, from Navratri to Diwali, to bolster local businesses.
A Rally Packed With Promises And Projects
The event wasn’t just about rhetoric; it was a showcase of development. Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth ₹5,400 crore, including railway enhancements like the doubling of the 65-km Mahesana-Palanpur rail line and the gauge conversion of the Kalol-Kadi-Katosan and Bechraji-Ranuj rail lines. He also flagged off a passenger train between Katosan Road and Sabarmati, aimed at easing travel for commuters and boosting regional connectivity. Infrastructure projects, such as the widening of the Viramgam-Khudad-Rampura road and power distribution upgrades under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, were also unveiled, promising to modernise Gujarat’s landscape.
The Prime Minister’s visit, marked by a spirited roadshow in Ahmedabad, saw him felicitated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP leaders. Modi also took a moment to celebrate India’s military prowess, referencing Operation Sindoor as a symbol of the nation’s strength, while criticising past governments for neglecting Gandhi’s Swadeshi ethos.
Trade Tensions And A High-Stakes Meeting
The backdrop of Modi’s speech is a deepening trade dispute with the US, which has pushed for greater access to India’s agricultural and dairy markets, including genetically modified crops and products like corn, soybeans, and dairy. India, however, has resisted, citing the livelihoods of over 700 million rural citizens, including 80 million smallholder dairy farmers. A high-level meeting scheduled for August 26 at the Prime Minister’s Office will assess the tariff’s impact, with officials expected to strategise ways to shield exporters from the economic fallout.
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has labelled the US tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable,” reinforcing New Delhi’s commitment to protecting its domestic stakeholders. As trade negotiations hit a deadlock, Modi’s call for self-reliance and his assurance to farmers and entrepreneurs signal a resolute stance against external pressures.
A Message Of Resilience
As the festival season approaches, Modi’s appeal to prioritise indigenous products carries weight, not just economically but culturally. His promise to stand by India’s rural heartland amid global challenges has galvanised support, particularly in Gujarat, where the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision is deeply rooted. With the nation watching, the coming days will test India’s ability to navigate trade tensions while safeguarding its small-scale entrepreneurs and farmers.