Modi urges Indians to spend, wed and holiday at home

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to reduce discretionary spending abroad and redirect more of their money towards the domestic economy.

In a video message on Tuesday, Modi asked Indians to choose domestic destinations for holidays and weddings. He also advised people to avoid buying gold unless it was necessary.

“If you go on holiday, go to a place in India,” Modi said, while encouraging citizens to adopt the idea of “Wed in India”.

He made the appeal while congratulating the Indian public on the country’s economy recording 7.8 per cent growth in the April-June quarter.

Modi said the latest economic figures showed India’s ability to maintain strong growth despite instability around the world. He credited the performance to the collective efforts and hard work of Indian citizens.

India’s GDP grew 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year, according to official figures. Growth was lower than the 8.6 per cent recorded in the previous quarter but remained above the 7 per cent forecast by the Reserve Bank of India.

Modi said India had maintained its economic momentum despite geopolitical tensions, disruptions to global trade and continuing problems in international supply chains.

He pointed to the instability that has affected the global economy since the Covid-19 pandemic. He said conflicts and disruptions had created uncertainty across international markets.

The prime minister linked his appeal to his government’s broader focus on “swadeshi”, or promoting locally produced goods and services.

He argued that greater self-reliance would help India sustain its economic expansion. He also urged citizens to redirect non-essential spending towards businesses and services within the country.

Foreign holidays and destination weddings can involve substantial spending outside India. Gold is also a major import item and remains an important form of savings for many Indian households.

Modi said reducing unnecessary imports and increasing domestic consumption could support the country’s economic goals.

He expressed confidence that India would maintain its growth rate and eventually become a developed economy.

Modi said he believed India would be able to present a developed country to its younger generation when it reaches 100 years of independence.