Bhubaneswar, Aug. 7 -- A few days ago, just as US President Donald Trump was increasing the tempo of his social media fusillades against India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited his Lok Sabha constituency, Varanasi. Discerning analysts were quick to point out a profound change in his agenda as he spoke. This time, Modi went beyond Make in India and Vocal for Local. He publicly exhorted every Indian household to embrace Swadeshi, buy local items and even appealed to shopkeepers and traders to sell only swadeshi items to consumers. Clearly, Modi and his team are aware that Trump will continue to bully and threaten India with tariff missives. And that the Indian economy is likely to go through a painful phase in the future.

Swadeshi seem...