Rajeev Mantra, a founder and administrative partner of Navam Capital, has issued a sincere criticism of India’s economic landscape in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent pressure for the “Local” vocal campaign. In a detailed post shared on X (formerly Twitter), mantras highlighted structural ineffects and urged the government to focus on long -term economic reforms, rather than relying on patriotic consumer appellations.
“Dear congratulations.” The brutal truth is that most Indian products and services are simply not good enough compared to those made by foreign companies. “
According to mantras, even 35 years after economic liberalization, India remains uncompetitive to key global markets – not due to a lack of entrepreneurial spirit, but due to systemic failures by subsequent governments. He pointed to permanent issues such as a dysfunctional credit system, poor implementation of the contract, outdated labor laws and bureaucratic obstacles to land purchase.
He further warned that despite the Liberalized FDI policies, Indian entrepreneurs are handicapped by inertia of domestic politics. “Many structural reforms are long lasting. Nothing moves on that front,” he said, adding that home friction, instead of external competition, retains India.
In his post, mantras also criticized the call for “buying Indian” without addressing quality and competitiveness. “Why should consumers spend their earned, tax paid money on products and services that most of the time simply do not match what a company from abroad offers?” He asked.
Using the example of weddings in the destination, he claims that hosting a wedding in India often costs two to three times more than in Thailand or Indonesia, due to poor tourist infrastructure in India and expensive hospitality services.
Mantra concluded his appeal with a direct message to the Prime Minister: “Please, submit your own obligations and promises, no one else can do it. We citizens do not mind the occasional sermon, but in the end the action is what is considered.”
His post sparked debate over the internet, attracting support, as well as criticism of his blunt tone and the unspecified criticism of the Indian state’s economic performance.
