RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday delivered a powerful message on the nature of international trade, urging nations to abandon pressure tactics and instead adopt a balanced and ethical approach. Speaking at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi during the three-day lecture series “100 Years of the Sangh Journey New Horizons”, Bhagwat emphasized that while global interdependence is a reality, trade must remain voluntary, free from coercion or manipulation. His remarks resonated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” campaign, reiterating the need to boost domestic enterprise while engaging with the world.
Voluntary Trade, Not Coercion
Highlighting India’s centuries-old ethos of self-reliance (Aatmnirbharata) and indigenous production (Swadeshi), Bhagwat declared that international trade should never be driven by compulsion or hidden agendas.
“International trade should happen only voluntarily, not under pressure,” he asserted, clarifying that self-reliance does not imply isolationism. “Being self-reliant does not mean stopping imports. The world functions because it is interdependent. Export-import will continue. However, there should be no pressure in it.”
According to Bhagwat, Swadeshi means avoiding the import of goods that India can produce domestically with ease. Supporting local businesses, he stressed, is not just an economic necessity but also a social responsibility. “Bringing outside goods hurts local vendors. If something is available and can be made in our own country, there is no reason to buy it from abroad,” he said.
Swadeshi as a Way Forward
Drawing parallels with Prime Minister Modi’s campaign, Bhagwat elaborated on the meaning of Swadeshi. He explained that the principle is not about banning imports altogether but about protecting local economies. “If we can make lemon water at home, why bring Coca-Cola?” he quipped, striking a chord with the audience.
Bhagwat’s vision of Swadeshi aligns with promoting small-scale industries, rural craftsmanship, and indigenous manufacturing. This approach, he argued, would not only shield local vendors from the onslaught of foreign goods but also build a more resilient economy.
Prime Minister Modi himself had reinforced this message just a day before the tariffs took effect. Flagging off Maruti Suzuki’s first electric vehicle from Gujarat, he urged people to consider everything made in India regardless of foreign investment as Swadeshi.
Beyond Economics: A Moral Responsibility
Moving beyond trade and tariffs, Bhagwat touched upon the larger global challenges of peace, environmental sustainability, and economic inequality. He observed that while these issues are widely discussed, meaningful solutions remain elusive. “For this, we must think and deliberate authentically, bring sacrifice into life, and develop balanced intellect and dharmic vision,” he said.
Bhagwat also highlighted India’s moral conduct in the global arena, recalling how the nation has shown restraint even in times of adversity. “Those who caused us harm were helped in their crisis. Enmity arises from ego, but beyond ego is our Bharat,” he remarked.
By stressing ethical behavior and restraint, Bhagwat suggested that India could serve as a role model for the world, demonstrating that credibility and trust are built not by aggression but by moral leadership and responsible action.
The Tariff Tussle with the United States
Bhagwat’s comments come at a crucial time when India faces punitive trade measures from the United States. US President Donald Trump recently announced an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, raising the total to a staggering 50 per cent. The move came in retaliation to India’s purchase of Russian oil, despite Western objections.
The tariff, which came into effect on August 7, has rattled Indian exporters across several sectors, from textiles to jewellery. Concerns loom large that India’s exports could suffer, even as many see this as an opportunity to strengthen domestic industry and redirect trade towards more reliable partners.
Bhagwat did not shy away from addressing this context, reiterating that India’s trade policy must be guided by voluntary cooperation and fairness, not by intimidation from powerful nations. His words carried an implicit rebuke of American trade coercion, reinforcing India’s right to pursue independent economic choices without external bullying.
A Vision for Ethical Globalization
Mohan Bhagwat’s message was clear: trade and globalization cannot be sustained through coercion or domination. India, guided by principles of Swadeshi and self-reliance, must set the example of how economic strength and moral responsibility can coexist.
While global interdependence is inevitable, Bhagwat insisted that India must never compromise its sovereignty or allow foreign pressure to dictate its economic policies. His call was not one of isolation, but of balance encouraging India to engage with the world from a position of dignity and strength.
Global commerce, in his words, should be voluntary, ethical, and rooted in mutual respect. By promoting self-reliance, supporting local businesses, and refusing to bow to external pressure, India has the chance to redefine the rules of global trade and emerge not just as an economic power, but as a moral leader on the world stage.