The US Government’s decision to raise the combined tariffs on India to 50 percent is a direct threat to our rural economy and its goal of self-reliance. This move is particularly damaging as it impacts a vast and sensitive socio-economic structure that includes small and marginal farmers, women’s self-help groups, and traditional production chains.
With 86 per cent of India’s farmers owning less than two hectares of land and over 80 million rural families involved in the dairy sector (many of whom are women and landless), their livelihoods are highly dependent on government support mechanisms like the Minimum Support Price (MSP), subsidies, and customs duties.
In response, Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi’s call for “Swadeshi” (self-sufficiency) and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) has evolved from an emotional appeal into a strategic necessity. The Government is committed to protecting the interests of these rural communities. This commitment prioritises the economic empowerment of women, nutritional security, and the preservation of traditional agricultural diversity. In light of these developments, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, during his visit to Kashi, urged the nation to adopt the slogan of ‘Swadeshi’. The global economy is currently facing an environment of instability and apprehension. To overcome this, all countries are adopting policies to protect their national interests, and India cannot remain isolated from this trend. We are progressing very rapidly on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy. Therefore, we must be vigilant in protecting our national interests and the employment of our farmers, small industries, and youth.
To achieve the goal of becoming the third-largest economy, it is essential for all parties, enlightened citizens, and society to rise above political differences and champion the mantra of Swadeshi. We should both adopt and promote Swadeshi products and principles.
The US agriculture system is industrial, subsidy-supported, and large-scale. In comparison, the Indian agriculture sector comprises small-holding farmers. In such a situation, countries like the US and India cannot demand equal tariffs for each other.
If India agrees to open its market under American pressure, it can create huge problems. The Indian market will be flooded with cheap American dairy products. Women’s self-help groups, cooperative institutions, will face financial issues. Economic crisis, unemployment, migration and discontent may begin in the rural areas. India may need to maintain relations with America, but this will not be done at the cost of our farmers. Our tariffs are part of the needs of developing countries. It should not be viewed as a hindrance to trade. Just like America protects its steel and auto sector, India will also have to protect its agricultural sectors on the same lines. Swadeshi is not just contemporary, but is also the proclamation of the soul of India. It is the clarion call of India’s unity, patriotism and collective aspirations. The mantra of Swadeshi has appeared in different forms from time to time in India. This mantra came in the form of Vande Mataram, by burning foreign clothes to uproot the foreign rule during the British rule.
After the nuclear explosions conducted during the tenure of Prime Minister Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, sanctions were imposed on India, which were answered by the slogan of Swadeshi. The entire world was given a fitting reply with the spirit of Swadeshi. The mantra of Swadeshi will inculcate the necessary restraint and self-reliance and we will avoid the temptation of being dependent on foreign capital unnecessarily.
By implementing the mantra of Swadeshi, the defence industry will develop, agricultural production will increase, labour-intensive industries will expand. Expansion of public services and basic industries will give a strong base to our economy. We can establish India as an invincible power again by adopting it in our lives.
The writer is National Joint General Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party