Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday spoke about the importance of self-reliance for India in light of the recent tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods. He urged the nation to strengthen its domestic capabilities while maintaining friendly diplomatic relations on its own terms, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated calls to promote “swadeshi” products.
Speaking at the centenary event of the RSS in Nagpur, Bhagwat said, “The new tariff policy implemented by the US was done keeping in mind their own interests. But everyone is affected by such measures. The world functions with dependence on each other. No country can survive in isolation. This dependence must not turn into compulsion. We need to rely on swadeshi and focus on self-reliance, yet strive to maintain diplomatic relations with all our friendly nations, which will be with our wish and without compulsion.”
His remarks come amid growing debates over India’s economic policies and its position in global trade. The US had imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods in August, followed by a recent steep increase in H-1B visa fees, affecting Indian professionals working abroad. Bhagwat highlighted that while India should engage with the world, its reliance on foreign nations should be balanced with domestic strength. 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also consistently promoted swadeshi products in his recent speeches. He stressed the importance of conscious consumer choices and encouraged citizens to support products made in India. “Often, we don’t even know if the comb in our pocket is made in India or abroad. We should buy products that are Made in India, crafted through the hard work of our country’s youth, products that carry the sweat of our sons and daughters,” Modi said in a televised address.
