Modi Renews Push For ‘Wed In India’ As He Urges Citizens To Avoid Foreign

by HEDNEWS on May 21, 2026

Modi Renews Push For ‘Wed In India’ As He Urges Citizens To Avoid Foreign Weddings Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has renewed his appeal for citizens to avoid holding weddings abroad, urging families to prioritise domestic celebrations in what he described as a matter of cultural pride and economic responsibility. The appeal comes amid ongoing concerns about foreign exchange outflows and broader economic pressures, with Modi encouraging Indians to keep wedding celebrations within the country instead of opting for expensive destination ceremonies overseas. In his latest remarks, Modi urged citizens to “take one for the team” by choosing India as the preferred destination for weddings, stressing that overseas ceremonies lead to significant spending of foreign currency.He argued that India already has world-class cultural and tourism destinations capable of hosting large-scale, luxurious weddings, making foreign travel unnecessary for such celebrations. The comments are part of his broader “Wed in India” campaign, which encourages citizens to host weddings locally in order to support domestic industries and preserve cultural traditions. Modi linked the trend of destination weddings abroad to economic leakage, saying that money spent overseas could instead support India’s hospitality, tourism, and event industries. He also framed the issue as cultural, suggesting that India’s heritage, traditions, and landscapes are more than sufficient to host meaningful wedding ceremonies without going abroad. The renewed push comes at a time when the government is also encouraging citizens to reduce non-essential foreign spending, including luxury imports and overseas travel. The “Wed in India” message aligns with Modi’s broader economic philosophy of promoting domestic consumption and reducing dependence on imports. It follows earlier campaigns such as “Make in India,” aimed at boosting local manufacturing, and other initiatives encouraging citizens to support domestic products and services. Despite the push, destination weddings abroad have become increasingly popular among wealthy Indian families in recent years, with locations such as Europe and the Middle East attracting high-end celebrations. However, industry observers say India itself has also become a major global wedding hub, with luxury venues, palaces, and resorts hosting multi-million-dollar ceremonies. The renewed appeal has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters praising the emphasis on domestic tourism and economic retention, while critics argue that wedding choices should remain a personal decision. Opposition voices have also previously criticised similar calls for sacrifice, arguing that broader structural economic issues cannot be addressed through lifestyle changes alone.