Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday commended the nation for its 7.8% economic growth in the April-June quarter, while simultaneously urging citizens to shun foreign travel, destination weddings, and non-essential gold purchases to reinforce the 'Swadeshi' movement.

In a video message posted on Instagram, Modi congratulated the people for the faster-than-expected GDP growth, attributing it to their "collective resolve and efforts." He noted that India achieved this milestone despite "conflicts, wars and instability everywhere."

The growth rate, however, slowed from the previous quarter's 8.6% figure. Modi emphasized the need to maintain and accelerate the growth momentum, saying, "We have to maintain this growth momentum, and also to accelerate it."

Promoting self-reliance, Modi stressed the importance of the "mantra of swadeshi" and "vocal for local." He asked people not to spend on foreign holidays or destination weddings abroad and to embrace the "mantra of made in India."

"Don't travel to foreign countries for tourism. Avoid organising destination weddings in foreign countries. We should live by the mantra of 'Wed in India'. Avoid buying gold if it's not necessary," he said.

This is not the first time Modi has made such a call; he had issued a similar appeal a few months ago amid the Middle East conflict.

The prime minister also highlighted India's resilience since the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that while there has been no stability anywhere, India has progressed well. He dismissed those trying to spread "negativity and falsehood," adding, "We have to maintain the speed of our growth. We have to grow. And for that, we must become self-reliant. The youth's dreams need our hard work to be realised. Let's not be lacking in efforts."

Modi expressed confidence that if the country continues to emphasise self-reliance, "when we reach 100 years of independence, we will hand over a developed India to our youth."

The appeal comes against a backdrop of rising gold imports. According to latest government data, gold imports rose 32.4% to $15.17 billion in the first four months of the current financial year, compared to $11.46 billion in the same period last year. In rupee terms, gold imports during April-July 2026 stood at over ₹1,43,880 crore, up about 46.5% from ₹98,239 crore a year earlier.

Experts have weighed in on Modi's comments, viewing them as a response to broader economic challenges. Ajay Sahai, director general and chief executive of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), said imports of raw materials and intermediate goods were necessary to support manufacturing and exports, but non-essential imports should be restrained.

"Gold is mostly unproductive asset in India. Its import is only justified if it is productively used and not as an idle asset," Sahai said. He added, "India is a large country with diverse culture. People must explore it first and add to the Indian economy instead of spending money in foreign destinations."

The trade data for July shows India's merchandise exports rose 19.63% year-on-year to $44.24 billion, while imports increased 17.52% to $76.22 billion, pushing the trade deficit to a six-month high of $31.98 billion. This comes after the government on May 13 raised customs duty on precious metals, including gold and silver, to 15% from 6%, aiming to reduce imports and conserve foreign exchange for essential imports such as energy and fertilisers amid the protracted war in West Asia.

In the financial year 2025-26, gold imports rose 24.08% year-on-year to $71.98 billion, while silver imports surged 149.48% to $12.05 billion, according to data.