Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses during the laying of the foundation stone and inauguration of development works in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday, August 2, 2025. (Photo: IANS/PMO)
Varanasi, August 2 (IANS) The welfare of farmers, small industries and youth remains the government’s “top priority” as the country stays on track to become the world’s third-largest economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Saturday, as US President Donald Trump announced to impose 25 per cent tariffs on India from August 7.
PM Modi reaffirmed the resilience of the Indian economy amid turbulence triggered by US tariff hikes, saying that the country must remain vigilant about its economic interests and adopt ‘swadeshi’ products.
“There is an atmosphere of global instability. All countries are focusing on their individual interests. India is going to become the third biggest economy in the world and this is why India will have to stay alert as far as its economic interests are concerned,” the Prime Minister said during a rally in Varanasi.
Earlier this week, Trump announced 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods. He said India would also face an additional tariff penalty for buying Russian oil.
After the US President claimed that India has likely stopped purchasing Russian oil, government sources on Saturday clarified there is no such pause on the oil imports from Russia. According to sources, “India's energy purchases are driven by national interests and market forces. We do not have any reports of Indian oil firms halting Russian imports”.
On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that India and the US share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties with the partnership having weathered several transitions and challenges.
According to PM Modi, the government is doing everything it can in the best interest of the country.
“Those who want the best for the country and want to see India as the third biggest economy in the world should leave their differences aside and instill a resolution for 'swadeshi' products. We will buy only those things that are made by Indians. We need to embrace vocal for local,” the Prime Minister emphasised during his speech at the rally.
PM-KISAN brings relief to Bihar farmers, ensures continuity in farming
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, farmers across Bihar on Saturday hailed the move as a much-needed relief, particularly for small and marginal growers.
With timely financial assistance, farmers reported continuity in agricultural activities and growing self-reliance, while expressing gratitude to both the central and state governments.
The instalment was disbursed during a national-level event hosted by the Prime Minister from Varanasi.
In Bihar, the state-level program was organised at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna, where Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha addressed a gathering of farmers.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Chouhan praised the farmers of Bihar and said, “Today, I am delighted to see the enthusiasm among our farmers. They’ve pledged to support locally made goods, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of 'Vocal for Local.' This resolve extends even to cultural symbols like Rakhi, which sisters have vowed to buy only if they are made in India."
Highlighting the scale of the PM-KISAN scheme, he said, “Rs 21,000 crore has been deposited directly into the accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers nationwide. In the last few years, the government has steadily worked to increase farmers’ income, and this installment is another step towards their economic empowerment.”
The minister also emphasised the role of Minimum Support Price (MSP) in securing farmers’ income, stating, “MSP is determined based on market dynamics, and the government ensures procurement at these rates. Agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy, and the government continues to prioritise its growth.”
Deputy CM Vijay Sinha lauded the day as "Kisan Utsav" and said, “As the Prime Minister has rightly said, the children of Bharat Mata will strengthen the Indian economy by embracing indigenous products and practices. The PM-KISAN scheme reflects this spirit of empowerment.”
Similarly in the village of Fatehpur, in Bihar’s Banka district, farmers celebrated the 20th installment with visible joy.
Manoj Kumar Singh, a local farmer, shared, “This financial support helps us purchase fertilisers, seeds, and manage other farming expenses. It gives us confidence and reduces our dependence on loans.”
Farmers in the region marked the day as Kisan Samman Utsav Diwas, expressing appreciation for both the financial aid and the government's continued support for agriculture. They emphasised how the scheme has brought dignity and independence to their work.
Sakun Prasad Singh, a farmer from Kathel village in Banka district, said, “The money arrived just in time for paddy transplantation. Timely support means I don’t have to borrow at high interest. This scheme is a lifeline for small farmers like me. Expenses such as fertiliser, seeds, and labour wages are now manageable.”
Another farmer from Kathel, Rajesh Kumar Singh, echoed similar sentiments.
“Farming is time sensitive. When funds arrive on time, there is no disruption in the process. This scheme ensures continuity and stability in our work. Every installment received helps us plan better, invest wisely, and avoid last-minute financial stress.”
He added, “This government is doing what no one else did for farmers before. The scheme may seem small to some, but to us, it is substantial support.”
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a wide range of development projects worth approximately Rs 2,200 crore in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi.
In a significant push towards development in his parliamentary constituency, PM Modi also released the 20th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme.
Under this installment, Rs 21,000 crore will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers across the country. He also distributed more than 7,400 assistive aids to 'divyangjan' and elderly beneficiaries.
Will not spare attackers even in 'Pataal Lok': PM Modi warns Pakistan of India's 'Rudra roop'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday issued a strong warning to Pakistan, saying India would not spare anyone who attacks it -- even if they are hiding in "Pataal Lok".
Addressing a massive crowd in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, the Prime Minister said India can take the form of 'Kaal Bhairav' to punish terrorists and destroy their infrastructure.
"There are several forms of Lord Shiv; one is for 'Kalyan' (development), and the other is his 'Rudra roop'. When there is terror and injustice, Mahadev takes his 'Rudra roop'. The world saw this form of India during 'Operation Sindoor'. Anyone who attacks India will not be spared even in Pataal Lok," he said.
PM Modi said that if Pakistan dares to commit another act of terror, India will respond again -- this time with 'Made in India' weapons.
Taking aim at the Opposition for questioning 'Operation Sindoor's' success, he said, "Some people in our own country are not able to digest the success of 'Operation Sindoor'. The Congress and its ecosystem are upset that India destroyed Pakistan's terror camps. I ask you -- are you proud of Operation Sindoor? Did you see how our missiles and drones dismantled the terror bases with precision? Pakistan's airbases are still in the ICU."
The Prime Minister took sharp digs at the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, accusing them of sympathising with terrorists instead of supporting India's armed forces.
"Congress and SP are more pained by the situation in Pakistan than in India. The masters of terror are crying in Pakistan, and here Congress and SP are also crying. They called 'Operation Sindoor' a 'tamasha'. Is 'Sindoor' ever a tamasha? This is an insult to our martyrs and our armed forces," PM Modi said.
Hitting out at SP, PM Modi said, "They questioned why the Pahalgam terrorists were killed on a specific day. Should we call them for permission before killing terrorists? Do we wait for terrorists to run away? These are the same people who, when in power in UP, gave clean chits to terrorists. And now, they are upset when terrorists are killed. They have a problem even with the name 'Operation Sindoor.'"
He declared that this is a "new India -- one that worships Mahadev but turns into Kaal Bhairav when needed."
The Prime Minister also highlighted the success of indigenously-developed weapons and the growing strength of India's Defence manufacturing.
"During 'Operation Sindoor', the world saw the power of 'Made in India' weapons -- our drones, missiles, Air Defence Systems, especially BrahMos missiles. Pakistan is unable to sleep because of BrahMos. And I am proud to say that these missiles will now be manufactured in UP. In Lucknow, BrahMos production is starting. Big Defence companies are coming to the UP Defence Corridor. 'Made in India' weapons will soon become the backbone of our armed forces," he said.
"If Pakistan dares another act, the missiles made in UP will finish the terror bases," he added.
The Prime Minister opened his address with chants of "Om Namah Parvati Pataye, Har Har Mahadev", and recalled the pain of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed.
"I had prayed to Baba Vishwanath to give strength to the victims' families. I had promised my daughters that I would take revenge for their 'sindoor'. Today, with Mahadev's blessings, I have fulfilled that promise. I dedicate the success of 'Operation Sindoor' at the feet of Mahadev," he said.
