Trade Must Be Voluntary, Says Mohan Bhagwat
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that international trade should happen voluntarily and not under pressure. Speaking at a centenary lecture, he emphasized that trade decisions must reflect India’s interests and should not be dictated by external coercion.
Call for Swadeshi and Self-Reliance
Bhagwat underlined that self-reliance, or aatmnirbharta, does not mean shutting down imports. He noted that global interdependence makes both imports and exports important, but cautioned that goods available domestically should not be imported unnecessarily. Buying locally, he added, supports the economy of villages, towns, and cities while strengthening livelihoods.
Context of India–US Tariff Tensions
His remarks coincided with the United States imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, a move linked to India’s continued Russian oil purchases. The timing of his statement suggested a broader message of economic independence, with Bhagwat calling for India to shape its trade policy based on national priorities rather than foreign pressure.
