Ahmedabad: On the eve of US President Donald Trump’s implementation of additional 25 percent tariffs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi passionately advocated for swadeshi and the ‘Make in India’ initiative aimed at job creation within the country. Modi emphasized that swadeshi should be a guiding principle for everyone, asserting that production must occur domestically regardless of the source of investment. This statement came on a day when Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corporation announced plans to invest over Rs 70,000 crore in India over the next five to six years. Modi lauded the ‘Make in India’ initiative for fostering a conducive environment for both global and local manufacturers, predicting that electric vehicles produced in India will dominate global markets.
He made these remarks while inaugurating the export of Maruti Suzuki’s first electric vehicle, the e VITARA, from the Hansalpur facility in Gujarat to more than 100 countries, alongside the launch of production for lithium-ion batteries and components for hybrid electric vehicles. Modi defined swadeshi simply, stating that it does not matter whose capital is invested; what counts is that the labor belongs to Indians. He expressed a vision for India by 2047, where future generations would take pride in the sacrifices and contributions of their predecessors. He also noted that Maruti Suzuki exemplifies a swadeshi company. Describing the day as significant for ‘Make in India’, he reiterated that electric vehicles manufactured in India will be exported worldwide.
Modi praised the strong ties between India and Japan, noting that both nations are well-suited for collaboration. Suzuki Motor Corporation’s President, Toshihiro Suzuki, confirmed the company’s commitment to invest Rs 70,000 crore in India over the next five to six years. Following the event, Maruti Suzuki India Chairman R C Bhargava stated that the investments would support the company’s ambitious target of producing 40 lakh units annually. He mentioned that achieving this expansion, which aims for a capacity of 4 million units per year, requires substantial investment in infrastructure, research and development, and new technologies.
Regarding the establishment of a second plant in Gujarat with a proposed investment of Rs 35,000 crore, Bhargava indicated that more details would be available after the GST Council meeting on September 4, which is expected to clarify the effects of GST changes on future growth, although he refrained from commenting on potential GST adjustments.
