People afraid of India's growth: Mohan Bhagwat's veiled dig at US over tariffs

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday took an indirect jibe at the US over the high 50 per cent tariffs it imposed on India, and hinted that the move stemmed out of the Trump administration’s desperation and frustration, saying those who are afraid of India’s growth are resorting to such measures.

Last month, US President Donald Trump first levied 25 per cent base tariffs on Indian goods and then announced another 25 per cent duties over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil, saying it was indirectly funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

India termed the tariffs "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable" and stressed it wouldn’t bow down to any pressure.

"People in the world are afraid of what might happen to them if India grows stronger and of what their own position will be. That’s why tariffs have been imposed on Indian goods,” he said.

Bhagwat made the remarks while addressing a gathering on the 7th foundation day of Brahma Kumaris Vishwa Shanti Sarovar, a yoga and spiritual training centre, in Nagpur on Friday.

He emphasised that shifting human attitudes from "me" to "us" could resolve many challenges.

"The world today is looking for solutions, as it has been unable to find a way forward due to its incomplete vision. It is impossible for them to find the way because of their ‘only me’ approach," Bhagwat remarked.

The RSS chief also expressed confidence in India’s ability to provide solutions to global problems and guide the world towards progress.

"India is great, and that Indians must strive to be great as well". He said India is big, and it wants to grow bigger.

Bhagwat highlighted India’s potential to address global challenges and guide the world towards a better future. “India is capable of finding solutions to the world’s problems and showing the way forward.”

Bhagwat also praised the spirit of the Indian people, noting their resilience and contentment even in difficult times.

"There should be no scarcity, but if it exists, it will change when the time comes. Yet, even in hardship and sorrow, people here remain satisfied because of this spirit of belongingness," he said.

THE TRUMP TARIFF TIRADE

In July, Donald Trump announced 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports, which came into effect on August 1.

Days later, the US President raised it to a steep 50 per cent over India’s purchases of Russian oil, while accusing it of pumping in money into Russia’s war in Ukraine, warning of secondary sanctions if New Delhi did not budge.

The US also accused India of “profiteering” by selling Russian oil to other countries – charges refuted outright by New Delhi.

Meanwhile, India has been resilient in the face of US pressure tactics, saying buying Russian oil is in the best interest of its people, calling the Trump tariffs “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable".

Voices calling for similar retaliatory tariffs on the US are gaining traction in India with the government cautiously moving ahead with its strategy.

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With PTI inputs