Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a strong message of economic self-reliance while inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show in Greater Noida. Against the backdrop of a tariff war with the United States, Modi said that “India is not ready to be dependent on anyone.” He urged traders and manufacturers to embrace the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by focusing on local production and promoting swadeshi goods.

The Trump administration recently increased tariffs on India to 50 per cent as a penalty for its Russian oil purchases, sparking new trade tensions. Modi countered this by stressing that global disruptions will not distract India but instead open new directions and opportunities. He highlighted the government’s drive to strengthen manufacturing and expand the defence sector under the ‘Made in India’ initiative.

Modi declared that every product that can be made in India should indeed be made domestically, reinforcing the idea that India’s growth must be powered from within. He pointed to ongoing defence sector development, aiming to create an ecosystem where every component carries the stamp of Made in India.

The Prime Minister also defended the government’s GST reforms, noting that the recent cut has reduced the tax burden on the poor and middle class. He compared the cost of basic goods before 2014 with today, underlining how BJP-led reforms like GST have modernized India’s tax system since its implementation in 2017. Modi added that reforms remain an ongoing process as India adapts to global shifts and protectionist policies.