In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s renewed call for the nation to embrace the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, over 2,000 business leaders from across Gujarat convened under the banner of the Progressive Alliance in Surat. The gathering focused on strengthening India’s economy and working towards the goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
Addressing concerns around global trade pressures, particularly amid rising tariff threats from the United States, business owners discussed strategies to fortify India’s domestic industries—especially MSMEs and export-focused sectors—by emphasizing local production and reducing dependency on imports.
The event promoted the idea of Swadeshi—defined by the Prime Minister as goods made through the effort and craftsmanship of Indian hands. The businessmen present discussed how embracing local manufacturing can act as a shield against external economic shocks and enhance India’s self-reliance.
Kamal Diora, who led the event, said: “The Swadeshi model championed by the Prime Minister offers a timely opportunity to build resilience within our domestic industries, especially in the face of global uncertainty.”
Participants expressed their support for the campaign, emphasizing its potential to unify various industries around a shared economic goal. Ashish Sukhadia, a diamond industry entrepreneur from Surat, stated, “Supporting ‘Vocal for Local’ is our responsibility. We’re already among the top global economies. With unified efforts, we can strengthen our position further.” Amit Koladiya, a textile manufacturer, added: “We discussed how innovation and product development within our sectors can help reduce reliance on imports and drive growth from within.”
The gathering underscored a shared commitment among Gujarat’s business community to prioritize Indian-made goods, enhance inter-industry collaboration, and contribute meaningfully to national economic goals. The ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, which advocates the use of domestically produced goods, continues to gain momentum as a strategic pillar for boosting manufacturing, creating employment, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
