India, Sept. 1 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked Indians to avoid unnecessary spending on gold, foreign leisure trips and weddings abroad. In another selfie-style video message, PM Modi congratulated the country for recording 7.8% economic growth and spoke of the need to promote self-reliance and give greater emphasis to swadeshi products.

"Congratulations to the countrymen, 7.8% growth, the country is filled with happiness. But I congratulate the countrymen for their resolve, for their hard work, it is a symbol of collective strength," PM Modi said.

He said India had achieved the growth despite global instability, wars, crises and disruptions to supply chains.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission fro...