Trade should be bereft of pressure: Mohan Bhagwat's Swadeshi push amid tariff war

New Delhi,UPDATED: Aug 27, 2025 21:00 IST

On the second day of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) centenary celebrations, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat underlined the importance of self-reliance and swadeshi practices in international trade, cautioning against undue foreign influence, with indirect reference to US's 50% tariff on India which come in effect today.

Speaking at the ongoing three-day event in Delhi, Bhagwat said, “International trade should continue, but there should be no pressure. Swadeshi should be followed.”

His remarks come on the day when US President Donald Trump’s additional ‘penalty tariffs’ of 50 percent became effective in India on August 27.

“We should not succumb to pressure,” Bhagwat reiterated, framing the message within the broader ideological framework of the RSS, which historically promotes self-reliance and cultural nationalism.

Citing consumer choices as a reflection of national pride and economic independence, Bhagwat added, “We can make and drink shikanji at home, why should we drink cold drinks? Whatever is made in our country, make and eat it in the country.”

The centenary celebrations, which began on August 26 and will culminate on August 28, mark 100 years of the organisation’s founding on Vijayadashami in 1925.

The centenary event also reflected on the origins and mission of the RSS. “After Vijayadashami in 1925, Doctor Saheb announced that today we will start this Sangh. He said it is an organization of the entire Hindu society,” Bhagwat said. He described the foundation of the RSS as rooted in “pure Sattvik love” and collective responsibility.

Quoting early Sangh Pracharak Sri Dadarao Parmarth, Bhagwat added, “RSS is an evolution of the Life Mission of Hindu Nation.”

As the organisation steps into its 100th year, celebrations are expected to continue across the country leading up to Vijayadashami later this year.

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