Vocal for Local

February 22, 2026 2:58 PM

‘Keep foreign-made products away from festivals’: PM Modi makes ‘Vocal for Local’ appeal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called upon citizens to embrace the ‘Vocal for Local’ mantra during the ongoing festive season, urging people to prioritise Swadeshi products and support India’s vision of self-reliance. Speaking during the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister extended greetings on the occasion of Ramadan and the upcoming festival of Holi. “Ramzan is currently going on. I wish everyone the best for this holy month. Holi is ...

February 21, 2026 3:54 PM

Surat emerges as ‘Global Trade Hub’ with $10.55 bn exports

Surat has emerged as a major global trade hub, recording exports of $10.55 billion (nearly Rs 95,710 crore) in the financial year 2024-25. The city, known for its diamond industry, silk sarees, and textiles, has been a key contributor to Gujarat’s export economy, which accounted for over 27 per cent of India’s total exports, valued at Rs 9.83 lakh crore during the same period. The Surat region processes around 90 per cent of the world’s diamonds, with the gems and jewellery sector repr...

February 10, 2026 3:38 PM

‘Vocal for Local’ initiative in MP’s Guna transforming lives of artisans, providing market for products

The government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative is transforming the lives of artisans across the country by providing them a wider platform and market for their handmade products. The impact of the campaign was visible in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna, where artisans from multiple states gathered to showcase their crafts at the Handicrafts Exhibition-2026. The Handicrafts Exhibition-2026 was organised by the Union Ministry of Textiles, along with the Madhya Prades...

November 30, 2025 2:43 PM

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi urges citizens to support ‘Vocal for Local’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated his appeal for citizens to strengthen the “vocal for local” movement, encouraging people to prioritise Indian-made products. He made the remarks during the 128th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. PM Modi said that the message of promoting local craftsmanship was reflected even in the gifts he presented to world leaders during the recent G20 Summit. These included a Chola-era inspired bronze Nataraja statue for the Presid...

September 4, 2025 10:57 PM

Teachers are nation-builders, urged to inspire youth: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the National Awardee Teachers in New Delhi, lauding their role in nation-building and emphasizing the pivotal impact of educators in shaping India’s future. Calling teachers a “powerful force in nation-building,” PM Modi said that honoring them is not merely ceremonial but a recognition of their lifelong dedication and societal contribution. He congratulated the awardees, noting that millions of teachers across India demonstrate commitmen...

September 3, 2025 4:01 PM

PMFME: Catalysing the ‘Vocal for Local’ food processing revolution

The Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at converting local food processing units into the organised sector, increasing incomes, and empowering communities under “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India). Launched on 29 June 2020, PMFME is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme running until 2025–26 with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore. It’s designed to support 200,000 micro food processing units through credit-linked ...

August 14, 2025 1:21 PM

From Mahatma Gandhi to PM Modi, Swadeshi and Vocal for Local as India’s Answer to Global Trade Wars

The Swadeshi Movement, championed by Mahatma Gandhi, was a clarion call for self-reliance that shook the foundations of British colonial rule. Today, as India faces the threat of more than 25 percent tariff from US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” campaign revives this spirit, positioning India to weather global economic headwinds. With the festival and wedding seasons approaching, PM Modi has urged citizens to prioritize Made-in-India goods, echoing...

July 25, 2025 12:46 AM

UK FTA finalised after two decades, credit goes to PM Modi: Piyush Goyal

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said it took over two decades to finalise the historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing the deal back into focus and driving it to conclusion. Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of the India-UK talks, Goyal said, “This is historic in itself. It took over two decades to finalise this FTA. But when Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave it momentum in 2021, brought it back into focu...