Prime Minister Narendra Modi met local taxpayers, traders, and industry representatives in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on Monday. He discussed the impact of the recent GST rate rationalisation and actively listened to feedback from the business community. During the meeting, PM Modi handed out placards reading “Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai” (Say it with pride, this is Swadeshi). He has frequently stressed the importance of self-reliance and supporting local products.
Interacted with traders and entrepreneurs in Itanagar today. They expressed their appreciation for the GST reforms and the launch of the GST Bachat Utsav. They highlighted how these initiatives will benefit key sectors like fisheries, agriculture and other local enterprises.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2025
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Navratri and the Swadeshi Spirit
Moreover, on Sunday, PM Modi connected the Swadeshi spirit with the Navratri festival. In a tweet, he described this Navratri as “very special,” as it coincides with the GST Savings Festival. He urged citizens to join efforts for a developed and self-reliant India.
He wrote in Hindi, “This time, this auspicious occasion of Navratri is very special. Along with the GST Savings Festival, the mantra of Swadeshi is going to receive a new energy. Let us come together in collective efforts for the fulfillment of the resolve for a developed and self-reliant India.”
Reducing Dependence on Other Countries
Furthermore, at a recent rally in Gujarat, PM Modi highlighted India’s dependence on foreign nations as its biggest challenge.
He said, “Today, India is moving forward with the spirit of ‘Vishwabandhu’. We have no major enemy in the world. Our biggest enemy is our dependence on other countries. Together, we must defeat this enemy of India, the enemy of dependence.”
In addition, he added, “The greater the foreign dependence, the greater the country’s failure. For global peace, stability, and prosperity, the country with the world’s largest population must become Atmanirbhar. If we remain dependent on others, our self-respect will be hurt. We cannot leave the future of 1.4 billion countrymen to others.”
Overall, through his words and actions, PM Modi linked GST reforms with the broader goal of promoting self-reliance, supporting indigenous products, and fostering national pride.