New Delhi, October 17, 2025: Yoga guru and entrepreneur Baba Ramdev has intensified his call for Indians to embrace swadeshi or locally made products, issuing a strong appeal ahead of the festive season of Diwali. Addressing the nation, Ramdev urged citizens to buy Indian-made goods and warned that such collective action could make India powerful enough that no foreign entity would dare to challenge or threaten it.

Call for Swadeshi Amid ‘Tariff Terrorism’

Ramdev highlighted the ongoing economic pressures he described as “tariff terrorism”, referring to global trade challenges and international pricing pressures that affect domestic markets. “India should be independent. On one hand, tariff terrorism is going on, and on the other side, India has become the world’s largest market. And we have left it to be robbed by foreigners,” he said while speaking to PTI.

He emphasised that the government, along with cultural, social, and religious organizations, is advocating for the protection of India through the swadeshi movement. According to Ramdev, the initiative is not only about buying local goods but about national self-reliance, pride, and strategic independence.

Festive Season as an Opportunity for Nationalism

With Diwali approaching, Ramdev urged Indians to ensure that all festival essentials—diyas, lights, and gifts—are locally made. “If we take the pledge to go swadeshi, then all the powers in the world will have to bow in front of India, and no one will dare to threaten India,” he said. He stressed that every purchase of Indian goods strengthens the nation economically and symbolically, creating a foundation for India’s global prominence.

Strong Warning to Foreign Powers

In a bold statement, Ramdev said in Hindi, “Bharat ko aankh jo dikhaega, uski aakhein hum nikaal lenge,” which translates loosely to “whoever dares to show India the eye, we will gouge out their eyes.” While his remarks were metaphorical, they underscored his call for a robust national posture and a self-reliant India capable of resisting external pressures.

Ramdev reiterated that the swadeshi campaign is also about protecting India’s sovereignty, honor, and national dignity, urging citizens to contribute actively to the movement. He positioned the initiative as a crucial component of national development, linking economic self-reliance to geopolitical strength.

Swadeshi Campaign and India’s Development Goals

According to Ramdev, the swadeshi movement is already beginning to create visible change in India’s economy and mindset. He expressed optimism that India could achieve developed country status earlier than projected. “The campaign for swadeshi is now being seen as bringing a change. I don’t think we have to wait till 2047; I think by 2040, we will be a developed country if we keep up with this campaign of going swadeshi,” he said.

By tying consumer choices to national development, Ramdev framed everyday economic decisions as acts of patriotic contribution, reinforcing his long-standing advocacy for self-reliance in the manufacturing and consumption of goods.

Views on Bihar Assembly Elections

Ramdev also spoke briefly about the Bihar assembly polls, highlighting the democratic process and the strength of political alliances. “In Bihar, every alliance has its own strength. The NDA’s greatest strength is the country’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Everyone has the right to contest in elections in a democracy. People will choose who they want,” he said. While he refrained from making direct endorsements of specific candidates, Ramdev emphasized the significance of leadership and informed voter choice in a functioning democracy.

Impact and Reception

Ramdev’s call for swadeshi comes at a time when India’s domestic manufacturing sector and startups are seeking greater visibility and support. By connecting consumer behavior with national strength, he hopes to galvanize citizens into making purchasing decisions that reinforce India’s economic independence.

His remarks on “tariff terrorism” and foreign exploitation have added a sense of urgency to the campaign, emphasizing both economic self-defense and cultural pride. Analysts note that such appeals often resonate during festive seasons like Diwali, when consumer spending is at its peak, and can significantly influence buying patterns in favor of domestic products.

As the festival approaches, Ramdev’s appeal may also influence discussions on India’s industrial policy, trade negotiations, and national strategic priorities, highlighting the link between grassroots consumer choices and macroeconomic objectives.