In the wake of recent India-U.S. trade talks described as “positive and forward-looking,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong appeal to citizens to buy and sell local goods, reinforcing his push for economic self-reliance amid global tariff pressures. The talks, led by India’s Chief Trade Negotiator Rajesh Agarwal and U.S. envoy Brendan Lynch, focused on resolving issues including agriculture, dairy, and tariff burdens which have impacted Indian exports.

Meanwhile, at a rally in Dhar on his 75th birthday, Modi lauded the success of Operation Sindoor, claiming that Indian Armed Forces “brought Pakistan to its knees within the blink of an eye.” He referred to a viral video in which a Jaish-e-Mohammad commander admitted that the strike had devastated the family of terrorist leader Masood Azhar. Modi said this confirms the nation’s ability to respond decisively to terror threats.

Together, these messages - economic nationalism paired with demonstrations of military strength—underscore Modi’s narrative of a “New India” that is assertive on both trade and security fronts.