PM Modi's Message Amid Escalating Tariff Dispute With US
By Global Leaders Insights Team | Aug 15, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged India to prioritize high-quality, affordable products under the mantra “Daam kam, dum zyada” (lower cost, higher value), emphasizing the goal of building a self-reliant and prosperous nation that honours the sacrifices of its freedom fighters.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, Modi cautioned that excessive reliance on others could weaken India’s sovereignty and resilience.
Key Highlights
- PM Modi champions “Daam kam, dum zyada” mantra, urging affordable high-quality domestic products amidst global tariff tensions.
- He warns excessive reliance undermines sovereignty, calling for self-reliance beyond trade and currency dependencies.
“Those who depend too much on others put a question mark on their freedom,” he said, warning that dependence, once it becomes a habit, gradually erodes self-reliance and strength.
The Prime Minister clarified that self-reliance is not just about imports, exports, or currency flows but about safeguarding and enhancing India’s core capabilities. “When self-reliance weakens, our strength diminishes. Preserving and developing our capabilities is crucial,” he noted.
Modi’s remarks come amid escalating trade tensions between India and the US after Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods. He stressed that India must focus on strengthening itself rather than limiting others.
Also Read: US-India Trade Talks Hit a Rough Patch
“The world respects strength. We should not waste time trying to shorten someone else’s line. Instead, we must extend our own line with full energy,” he said.
Calling quality the key to India’s global image, PM Modi urged manufacturers to meet international standards. “If we want global respect, our products must reflect excellence. Our independence came with immense sacrifice, and we must honour it by working with ‘Daam kam, dum zyada,’” he added.
