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The 25 percent tariff imposed by the United States under the recent trade agreement with India is not only irrational, but also a direct attack on India’s rural agricultural economy and its journey toward self-reliance. In this context, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ is no longer merely an emotional appeal — it is a strategic and necessary response. India’s rural economy extends far beyond just farms and the dairy sector. It is a deeply rooted socio-economic framework encompassing small and marginal farmers, women-led self-help groups, cooperatives, and traditional production systems. Notably, 86 percent of Indian farmers are small or marginal, owning less than two hectares of land. Additionally, over eight crore rural households are engaged in the dairy sector, most of whom are women and landless farmers. This vast and sensitive population relies heavily on supportive government mechanisms such as the Minimum Support Price (MSP), subsidies, and customs duties. These safeguards are essential to protecting their livelihoods and sustaining the backbone of India’s rural economy.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has reiterated his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of India’s agriculture and dairy sectors — the backbone of the rural economy. Preserving the existing tariff structure, strengthening local value chains, empowering Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and expanding cold
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has reiterated his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of India’s agriculture and dairy sectors
storage and processing infrastructure remain key priorities of the government. The government is fully dedicated to protecting rural livelihoods, ensuring economic empowerment of women, preserving nutritional security, and sustaining the rich diversity of traditional agriculture. Every policy and initiative reflect this deep commitment to holistic rural development.
In light of growing global uncertainties, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, during his visit to Kashi, invoked the powerful slogan of ‘Swadeshi’, appealing to the people of the nation to embrace indigenous solutions. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he highlighted how the world has witnessed the strength of India’s indigenous weapon systems — a testament to the country’s growing self-reliance in the defence sector. Today, the global economy is marked by instability and apprehension. In response, nations around the world are prioritizing their national interests. In such a scenario, India too cannot afford to remain passive. As we advance towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, it is imperative that we stay vigilant in safeguarding our national interests, particularly in protecting the livelihoods of our farmers, small industries, and youth. To realize this ambitious goal, all political parties, intellectuals, and citizens must rise above partisan lines and unite in echoing the mantra of Swadeshi. It is time we wholeheartedly adopt and promote Swadeshi — not just as an emotion, but as a national strategy for economic resilience and self-reliance.
Over the last decade, India’s economy has steadily climbed to new heights of progress. In 2013–2014, India ranked as the 11th largest economy in the world — today, it stands as the fourth largest and is rapidly advancing toward becoming the third. Our GDP growth rate stands at an impressive 6.4%, reflecting strong and consistent economic momentum. India’s influence has expanded across key sectors, including defence, agriculture, and international trade. Our growing participation in the global market is a testament to this rising stature. Through robust welfare initiatives, more than 24 crore people have risen above the poverty line, signalling a transformative shift in inclusive development. Significant strides have also been made in infrastructure, with basic amenities across the country now reaching world-class standards. Referring to the success of Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remarked that while we worship ‘Bholenath’, when needed, we also assume the form of ‘Kalbhairav’ to protect the nation — underlining India’s spiritual strength alongside its strategic resolve. As India’s economic rise, robust security policies, and growing global influence take shape, it is also natural that some nations may view this progress with envy. Nonetheless, India remains focused on its path of self-reliance, resilience, and responsible global leadership.
The agricultural system in the United States is industrialized, heavily subsidized, and operates on a large scale. In contrast, India’s agricultural sector is characterized by small landholdings and a predominantly rural population. Nearly 55% of India’s population depends on agriculture for livelihood, most of whom reside in villages. Despite this, agriculture contributes only about 15% to India’s GDP — a reflection of the sector’s challenges, including its heavy reliance on unpredictable weather patterns.
India’s labour-intensive, small-scale farming cannot be equated with America’s mechanized, capital-intensive model. Therefore, expecting both nations to adhere to the same tariff standards, especially in sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy, is unjust and impractical. India’s agriculture is deeply interlinked with its broader economy — from textiles, food grains, and sugar to dairy and fisheries. Opening up these sectors indiscriminately to American imports, particularly dairy, would have damaging consequences. The influx of cheap American dairy products would severely impact local markets, pushing women’s self-help groups, cooperatives like Amul, and small farmers into economic distress. Indian farm products could be forced to sell at unsustainably low prices, leading to widespread economic crisis, unemployment, migration, and rising discontent in rural areas. Over the last decade, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has introduced numerous policies aimed at strengthening agriculture and ensuring farmer welfare. The Union budget for agriculture has seen a fivefold increase — from Rs 21,933 crore in 2013–14 to Rs 1.25 lakh crore in 2023–24 — reflecting the government’s firm commitment to transforming the sector and securing the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
The cooperative sector plays a vital role in empowering women and strengthening the rural economy. Ensuring the welfare of farmers, safeguarding women’s interests, protecting the dairy industry, nurturing rural livelihoods, and promoting cooperative institutions are not just policy goals — they are our national responsibilities. This clarion call has been given by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, underlining the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Swadeshi is not merely a contemporary idea—it is the timeless proclamation of India’s soul. It embodies the spirit of national unity, patriotism, and collective aspiration. Throughout history, the mantra of Swadeshi has emerged in various forms, echoing the resolve of the Indian people. Whether it was through the chant of Vande Mataram, the burning of foreign clothes, or the mass movement to overthrow British rule, Swadeshi has been the moral and strategic backbone of India’s fight for dignity and self-rule.
Even during the nuclear tests under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, when international sanctions were imposed on India, the nation responded with the spirit of Swadeshi. It was this unwavering self-belief that gave the world a resolute message: India will rise on its own terms.
Today, as we navigate a complex global landscape, the mantra of Swadeshi becomes all the more relevant. It inspires self-restraint, fosters self-reliance, and cautions against unnecessary dependence on foreign capital. Embracing Swadeshi will lead to the growth of our defence industry, a rise in agricultural productivity, and the expansion of labour-intensive industries. Simultaneously, the development of public services and core industries will strengthen the foundation of our economy.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has urged the nation to embrace Swadeshi with conviction, not merely as a slogan, but as a guiding principle for nation-building. By adopting Swadeshi in our daily lives, we can re-establish India as an invincible force on the global stage. This is not just a call to action—it is the need of the hour.
{The writer is BJP National Jt. General Secretary (Organization)}