The call for Swadeshi is a call for strategic and economic awakening. Just as Operation Sindoor demonstrated the military might of Bharat, the economic battle must be won by its citizens. Swadeshi is no longer an ideological aspiration—it is a practical necessity. — Dr. S. Lingamurthy

‘Swadeshi’ is not merely a preference for indigenous products; it is a comprehensive and profound national philosophy that aims to achieve true self-reliance, cultural integrity, and economic sovereignty. As DattopantThengadi aptly described, “Swadeshi is the practical manifestation of patriotism.” It reflects a spirit of national determination to attain self-sufficiency, uphold sovereignty, and promote global cooperation based on equality and mutual respect.

Operation Sindoor exemplified Bharat’s strategic strength and technological prowess. By targeting terror camps and enemy infrastructure swiftly and precisely using indigenously developed drones and missile defence systems, the operation highlighted the nation’s ability to protect its sovereignty through Swadeshi technologies. This successful military initiative showcased not only the bravery of our armed forces but also the scientific excellence of our indigenous defence ecosystem. As stated by our Honourable Prime Minister, Operation Sindoor is not over—it continues, not just at the borders but now within our homes and markets through our economic decisions.

Swadeshi Beyond Borders: A Citizen’s Responsibility

The success of Operation Sindoor must now extend to the economic front. Just as soldiers protect the nation at the borders, citizens have the responsibility to protect the economy by adopting Swadeshi in their everyday lives. A truly self-reliant nation is one where its people manufacture, use, and invest in their own products, create employment for their own people, and reinvest capital within the country.

The use of foreign multinational (MNC) products drains national wealth and strengthens foreign economies. For instance, foreign FMCG giants such as Hindustan Unilever (UK/Netherlands), Nestlé India (Switzerland), Colgate Palmolive, PepsiCo, and Johnson & Johnson (USA) collectively earn over Rs. 1 lakh crore annually from the Bharatiya market. These profits are largely repatriated to their home countries, many of which, directly or indirectly, maintain strategic partnerships with Pakistan—Bharat’s hostile neighbour.

Table-1: Economic Size of Foreign MNCs in FMCG Sector in Bharat
Company Name                      Country of Origin               Revenue in Bharat (INR Cr)
Hindustan Uniliver (HUL)            UK/Netherlands                    60680
Nestle India                              Switezerland                        20100
Colgate Palmolive                      USA                                     5757
PepsiCo India                            USA                                    9096
Varun Beverages                       USA                                    5000
Johnson & Johnson                   USA                                     500
Source: Compiled by the author

Table-2: Bharatiya Market with Foreign Companies in Electronic Products in FY 2024-25
Sl No.    Company                       Country         Turnover           Net Profit    Profit Margin 
                                                of Origin            (INR)                (INR)              (%)
1          Foxconn                         Taiwan            1.7 Lakh Cr       10,000 Cr.       5.88
2          Samsung                        South Korea    102.628 Cr          8,188 Cr.      7.98
3          Apple                             United States    67,121 Cr          2,746 Cr.       4.09
5          Dell                               United States    30,674 Cr          1,740 Cr.       5.67
6          Xiaomi                            China              26,697 Cr            238 Cr.        0.89
8          LG                                South Korea     21,557 Cr.          1,511 Cr.       7.01
9          Bosch                           Germany           18,087 Cr            554 Cr.        3.06
12        Haier                             China                11,500 Cr          6,350 Cr.       55.2
13        Panasoni                        Japan                 10,000 Cr             11 Cr.       3.06
16        Sony                             Japan                    7,663 Cr          167 Cr.        2.18
18        Abb Group                      Sweden               3,160 Cr            474 Cr.          15
20         One Plus                       China                   150 Cr                2 Cr.        1.33
Source: Compiled by the author

Table-3: Bharatiya Market with Bharatiya Companies in Electronic Products in FY2024-25
Sl No.       Company                   Turnover in         Net Profit in          Profit 
                                                  INR                     INR                    Margin (%)
1               Godrej                      30,697 Cr.            183 Cr.                  0.6
2               Havells                      22,081 Cr.            517 Cr.                2.34
3               Micromax                  15,000 Cr.           104 Cr.                 0.69
4               Voltas                        12,400 Cr.          834 Cr.                 6.72
5              Bajaj Electricals             4,828 Cr.           133 Cr.                2.75
6               Blue Star                     9,685 Cr.           194 Cr.                 2.0
7              Tata Elxsi                      3,729 Cr.           784 Cr.               21.0
8              Orient Electric              3,094 Cr.            75 Cr.                2.42
Source: Compiled by the author

Economic Dependence Equals Strategic Vulnerability

Foreign control over critical sectors like electronics and FMCG is not merely an economic concern; it is a strategic vulnerability. Data from FY 2024–25 shows that selected foreign electronics companies earned over Rs. 3.29 lakh crore in revenue from Bharat, with profits exceeding Rs. 31,000 crore. In contrast, selected Bharatiya electronics firms collectively earned only Rs. 1.01 lakh crore in revenue and Rs. 2,824 crore in profits. Companies like Haier (China) reported profit margins as high as 55.2%, while Bharatiya brands like Godrej and Micromax operated on razor-thin margins below 1%.

Data from a representative sample of 11 major foreign electronics firms show a combined turnover of Rs. 3.29 lakh crore and a net profit of Rs. 31,029 crore. In contrast, eight Bharatiya companies together account for only Rs. 1.01 lakh crore in turnover and Rs. 2,824 crore in profits. This means foreign firms enjoy approximately 76.5% of the market revenue and a staggering 91.7% of the sector’s total profits.

The electronics sector is not just an economic domain—it is a foundation for national security, data sovereignty, and technological autonomy. Foreign control over hardware infrastructure opens Bharat to risks such as digital surveillance, backdoor access, and compromised supply chains.

Moreover, the dependency on imported semiconductors, routers, and communication hardware has a direct impact on Bharat’s strategic preparedness in an era of cyber warfare and AI dominance. This situation reflects a new kind of colonisation—technological and economic rather than military. As the data shows, Bharat is not just buying foreign products—it is funding foreign profits, importing dependency, and surrendering strategic control. Reclaiming our electronics market is not a question of protectionism, but of national survival and sovereignty. The path ahead must be guided by Swadeshi principles—not as isolationism, but as intelligent and culturally rooted self-reliance. The time has come to transform Bharat from a passive consumer of global tech to a proactive creator of indigenous innovation to the globe.

This dominance in foreign companies’ profit share means Bharatiya consumers are directly funding foreign technological advancement and strategic capacity. The United States and China—both of whom have provided military and economic aid to Pakistan—benefit enormously from the Bharatiya market. Their companies’ profits are used to develop defence technologies, support their own strategic agendas, and, in cases, indirectly empower Pakistan’s military apparatus.

The Unseen Cost: Funding Our Own Enemy

By purchasing foreign products, Bharatiya consumers inadvertently contribute to a disturbing cycle in a way that the earned profits from Bharat go to U.S.A. and Chinese companies and these companies pay taxes and dividends to their home countries. A portion of these funds and profits from Bharatiya soil is used by the U.S. and China to support Pakistan strategically or militarily, in turn, Pakistan uses that support to target Bharat and Bharatiya civilians and soldiers. In essence, we are indirectly funding threats to our own national security by patronising foreign MNCs. This makes the use of Swadeshi products not just an economic choice, but a patriotic responsibility.

Swadeshi as a Strategic Doctrine

True economic independence can only be achieved when citizens consciously adopt Swadeshi practices. Choosing Bharatiya brands in electronics, clothing, food, and daily-use items.Supporting Bharatiya entrepreneurs and industries in building capacity and innovation. Shifting public procurement policies to favour domestic companies with high local content.This is not about isolationism. It is about restoring balance, rebuilding internal strength, and ensuring that our consumption habits do not compromise our national interests. By using swadeshi, we can strengthen our domestic industry, exports, create employment opportunities to our young folks, we can empower our farmers and our mothers economically.

Conclusion

The call for Swadeshi is a call for strategic and economic awakening. Just as Operation Sindoor demonstrated the military might of Bharat, the economic battle must be won by its citizens. Swadeshi is no longer an ideological aspiration—it is a practical necessity. In this mission, every Bharatiya consumer is a soldier. Every rupee spent on Bharatiya products is a bullet in favour of Bharat’s sovereignty, security, and future.

Let us pledge to strengthen our nation not just with arms, but with economic wisdom. Let Swadeshi guide our wallets, our choices, and our vision for a strong and self-reliant Bharat.