Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on Indians to adopt the “swadeshi” spirit and make more spending decisions that support the domestic economy. He urged citizens to travel within India, select Indian destinations for weddings and avoid purchasing gold when it is not necessary.
PM Modi made the appeal while welcoming India’s latest economic growth figures. The Indian economy expanded 7.8% in the April-June quarter of fiscal 2026-27. He said the growth showed that India had maintained strong momentum despite global uncertainty, wars and major disruptions to supply chains.
“If you go on holiday, go to a place in India. Wedding destinations can be in India. We should live the mantra of ‘wed in India’," PM Modi said in a video message. “And if there is no need, then even gold shouldn’t be bought," he added.
7.8% growth.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2026
Strong numbers.
Even stronger confidence. pic.twitter.com/ZVPpnAXrVU
Focus on swadeshi and self-reliance
The prime minister said stronger support for domestic goods, services and businesses would help India sustain its economic growth. He connected the idea of “swadeshi” with the broader goal of self-reliance. According to Modi, encouraging Indians to spend more within the country can strengthen domestic economic activity.
“The more we emphasise swadeshi, the more we emphasise self-reliance," PM Modi said. His comments came a day after official data showed that India’s GDP grew 7.8% during the first quarter of fiscal 2026-27.
Although the growth rate was lower than the 8.6% recorded in the previous quarter, it exceeded the Reserve Bank of India’s 7% projection. The latest figure also kept India among the fastest-growing major economies.
Modi praises citizens for economic growth
Modi credited Indian citizens for the country’s economic performance. He said the latest growth figure reflected the determination and hard work of people across the country.
“With 7.8 per cent growth, the country is filled with happiness. But I congratulate citizens for their power of resolve, for their hard work; this is a reflection of collective power," he said.
The prime minister also highlighted the difficult global environment in which India has recorded this growth. He pointed to wars, international crises and continuing supply-chain problems that have affected economies around the world.
“The world is drowned in war. There is news of war all around. The world is surrounded by crises. The supply chain is completely disturbed. From the Covid era in 2020 till today, stability is not visible anywhere. Despite that, India is progressing at a fast pace," PM Modi said.
Push for domestic travel and weddings
Modi’s appeal to Indians to spend more on domestic holidays and weddings is part of a wider effort to promote local consumption.
Foreign holidays and destination weddings abroad can send a significant amount of discretionary spending outside India. Similarly, gold is a major import for the country and is widely held by Indian households as a store of wealth.
By asking citizens to choose Indian destinations and reduce unnecessary gold purchases, Modi linked everyday spending choices with the larger “swadeshi” and self-reliance agenda.
The message also encourages Indians to support domestic tourism, hospitality, transport and other businesses that benefit from increased spending within the country.
PM Modi confident of developed India goal
Modi also expressed confidence that India would maintain its economic momentum in the coming years. He said the country could become a developed economy by the time India completes 100 years of Independence.
“I have full faith that when we reach 100 years of independence, we will hand over a developed India to our youth," he said. He also criticised what he described as efforts to spread pessimism and false information within the country.
“On the other hand, inside India too, people drowned in the depths of despair are spreading jhooth ki goonj (echo of lies) all around. Despite all these things, cutting through all those talks, the country has achieved 7.8 per cent growth. We have to maintain this pace," PM Modi said.
Modi in Kyrgyzstan for SCO summit
PM Modi is currently in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
His visit is part of a broader trip covering Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. During the visit, economic growth, self-reliance and India’s position amid global uncertainty remain key themes of his message.