VARANASI, Aug 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India is poised to become the third largest economy of the world, and therefore has to be vigilant about its economic interests, in remarks seen as a direct rebuttal of US President Donald Trump terming India as a “dead economy”.
Addressing a massive public meeting in Banauli village, Sevapuri (Varanasi) today, PM Modi said that India has to specifically look after the interests of its farmers, the small industries and the employment of its youth, which are of paramount interest.
His statement comes two days after the US President said that India and Russia could “take their dead economies down together”, and announced that he would levy 25% tariffs on Indian imports from August 1.
PM Modi, in further remarks seen as directed at the US, also urged people to take a “pledge for Swadeshi”. “Now, whatever we buy, there should be only one scale, we will buy those things which have been made by the people of India, made with the skills of the people of India, the sweat of the people of India. We have to adopt the Vocal for Local mantra,” he urged.
In its trade negotiations with the US, India has said that it will not compromise on the interests of its farmers, in the face of US’ insistence for greater market access for its agricultural products, including poultry, corn, ethanol, and dairy, particularly genetically modified (GM) crops. India prohibits the import of GM food crops, an issue which has become a major point of contention between the two sides.
Touching on Operation Sindoor, the PM said that during the military standoff with Pakistan in May the whole world got to see the power of India’s indigenous weapons. “Our air defence systems, our indigenous missiles, indigenous drones, have proved the strength of a self-reliant India.”
He said India’s BrahMos missiles “filled with terror every enemy of India”.
“If the sound of BrahMos is heard anywhere in Pakistan, then sleep is lost,” he said, targeting Pakistan, which has recently inked a trade deal with the Trump administration.
He said that as an MP from UP, he is happy that the manufacturing of BrahMos missiles is beginning in Lucknow.
In a warning to Pakistan, the PM said that if the neighbour commits any misadventure again “then the missiles made in UP will destroy the terrorists”.
“Tell me my friends, when you hear about this self-reliant military power, do you feel proud or not If Pakistan commits any sin again, then the missiles made in UP will destroy the terrorists,” he exhorted.
Praising UP’s Defence Corridor, the PM said that many big defence companies are setting up their plants there. “In the coming times, weapons made in UP, weapons made in every part of India, will become the strength of the Indian forces.”
The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 projects worth about Rs 2,200 crore and also released the instalment of Kisan Samman Nidhi to around 9.5 crore farmers in the country.
Recalling the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives, Prime Minister Modi said the grief of the victims’ families, especially their daughters and children, deeply moved him. He said he had prayed to Baba Vishwanath for strength for the bereaved families and had vowed before the people of Kashi to avenge their pain-“the sindoor of our daughters”-a vow he now considers fulfilled.
The Prime Minister highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s rapid industrial and social development, crediting the BJP government’s policies for attracting major national and international investments.
He launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party, accusing it of vote bank and appeasement politics.
Contrasting Yogi’s government with the previous SP rule, he said criminals then operated fearlessly, deterring investors. In today’s UP, under BJP rule, criminals fear the law and investors see a promising future.
The PM Modi hit out at the Congress and Samajwadi Party for their “baseless statements” on Operation Sindoor, asserting that such actions only strengthen the resolve of a united and self-reliant India.
He credited the success of Operation Sindoor to the unity of 140 crore Indians, calling it the foundation of India’s strength. “This unity sparks a new consciousness each time,” he said, asking the crowd if they weren’t proud of India’s might and the operation’s success. He highlighted the precision strikes by Indian drones and missiles that reduced terror hideouts to rubble, adding that many of Pakistan’s airbases “are still in the ICU.”
He launched a sharp attack on the opposition, saying some in the country are having a “stomach ache” over the success of Operation Sindoor. “Congress, its allies and friends can’t digest that India destroyed Pakistan’s terror bases. Pakistan’s sorrow is understandable-but why are Congress and SP sharing their grief ” he taunted. “On one side, the king of terror cries; on the other, Congress and SP weep over the condition of terrorists.”
Accusing the Congress of insulting the armed forces, he said the party is calling Operation Sindoor a ‘tamasha’. “Tell me-can sindoor ever be a tamasha Calling our army’s valour and our daughters’ honour a spectacle is shameful and will not be tolerated,” he asserted.
Attacking the Samajwadi Party, the Prime Minister said that SP leaders had questioned in Parliament why the Pahalgam terrorists were killed now, sarcastically asking, “Should I call them to ask whether to kill terrorists or not Should we wait for them to run away ”
He alleged that during SP’s rule, terrorists were given clean chits and cases against bomb blast accused were withdrawn. “They have a problem with terrorists being killed,” he said.
PM Modi highlighted key welfare achievements, stating that 2.5 crore UP farmers have received over Rs 90,000 crore under PM-Kisan, with Rs 900 crore reaching Kashi alone. He also spoke of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, aimed at empowering three crore women nationwide-1.5 crore of whom have already achieved the milestone.
Taking a dig at SP, he said, “SP people will flee with their bicycles (party symbol) after hearing these figures.”
Declaring from the land of Kashi, the PM said, “This is New India-it worships Bholenath and becomes Kaal Bhairav before its enemies.”
Speaking on Sewapuri’s development, PM Modi said it was a privilege to visit the doorstep of Maa Kalka Devi, adding that the temple has been grandly renovated. He highlighted key projects like the Chandpur Bhadohi Road, which will boost connectivity and benefit both Banaras silk weavers and Bhadohi artisans.
The Prime Minister praised the UP government, saying he is satisfied that the “Maha Yagya” of development continues in Kashi.
(UNI)
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