Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 25 October 2026, declared that the spirit of 'Vocal for Local' has moved beyond domestic borders, with Indian products now finding traction in global markets. Speaking during the 139th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi urged citizens to prioritise Swadeshi purchases during the ongoing festive season as part of the larger 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision.

Indian Products Finding Global Footholds

'During this festive season, you must have noticed a shift in your surroundings. People are now placing great importance on Swadeshi products while shopping. This spirit of Vocal for Local is now taking our products to global markets,' Modi said during the broadcast.

He cited specific examples: makhana from Purnia, Bihar is now being exported to Greece, while arhar dal from Kalaburagi, Karnataka is reaching the Maldives. 'New global markets are opening up for India's farmers,' he noted, framing both as evidence of grassroots export potential.

Packaging as a Competitive Weapon

Modi drew attention to product packaging as a critical but often overlooked pillar of market success. 'The packaging of a product is just as significant as its quality. Often, when we see an item in the market, it is its attractive packaging that draws us to pick it up,' he said, adding that there is now an 'increasing emphasis on packaging' across the country.

He highlighted a Maharashtra initiative called 'Shabari Naturals', through which tribal communities are bringing products such as honey, mahua, chironji, and bamboo-based items to market with packaging that reflects tribal art. Notably, this packaging has received Japan's prestigious 'Good Design Award' — an international recognition for a grassroots Indian enterprise.

Modi also spotlighted a bamboo start-up in Karnataka that is manufacturing packaging material from bamboo and agricultural residue, pointing to the intersection of sustainability and local enterprise.

Khadi Sets a Single-Day Sales Record

Citing fresh data, the Prime Minister revealed that sales of Khadi Gram Udyog products on Gandhi Jayanti this year exceeded ₹28 crore in a single day — an increase of ₹1.5 crore over the previous year. 'The popularity of Khadi continues to grow, and the benefits are reaching those whose skills and hard work bring items like Khadi and various handicrafts to life,' he said.

The milestone is consistent with a multi-year upward trend in Khadi sales that has coincided with the broader Vocal for Local campaign, which gained momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic reshuffled consumer behaviour in India.

Call to Action This Festive Season

Reiterating his annual appeal, Modi said: 'During the festive season, we often buy many things for our families and loved ones. This time too, do prioritise products made by local artisans when you shop; your purchases will boost their morale.'

He added that the 'sense of affection' embedded in choosing local products would accelerate the Atmanirbhar Bharat dream, and personally urged citizens to 'prioritise and highlight products crafted by local artisans.' This marks at least the third consecutive festive season in which Modi has used Mann Ki Baat to amplify the Vocal for Local call, suggesting it has become a fixture of the programme's festive-season editorial rhythm.

With India's export basket diversifying and grassroots enterprises gaining international recognition, the Prime Minister's remarks underline a broader policy intent to link domestic consumer choices with India's global trade footprint — a convergence of cultural nationalism and economic statecraft that is likely to remain a recurring government message.