International trade should happen voluntarily and not under any pressure, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Wednesday (August 27, 2025) as he appealed from Indians to opt for swadeshi products . Mr. Bhagwat’s appeal came on a day when U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% additional tariff on India kicked in , bringing the total amount of levies imposed by the country to 50%.
Speaking on day two of his three-day lecture series at Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan, Mr. Bhagwat said, “We must promote Swadesh and become self reliant. Being self-reliant does not mean stopping imports or exports. International trade will continue but it should not happen under pressure. Our trade policy should be based on voluntary cooperation, not compulsion,” said Mr. Bhagwat.
He asked people to first opt for locally grown/produced products and then go for the things from other States and then for things of other countries.
“Drink home-made lemonade rather than opting for soft drinks like Coca Cola… buy things from local markets as homes of your own people are running from that trade. Don’t event go for cheap petrol from other States,” said Mr. Bhagwat as he cited boards with ‘cheaper petrol in Haryana’ on roads.
This is not the first time when Sangh and its affiliates have pressed for swadeshi products but on several occasion in the past, organisations such as the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (economic wing of RSS) and Kisan Sangh (farmer’s wing) have pitched concepts like ‘vocal for local’ and ‘swadeshi swavlambi’ (self reliant and self sufficient).
Outreach for other nations, religion
In his call for outreach to other communities and religion, Mr. Bhagwat said that no one can deny the fact that caste exists in the society and its bad for ‘all of us’ and for the nation.
“Caste is bad but we cannot deny that it exists in our society. To get rid of it, we must ensure that we reach out to people in our neighbourhood, irrespective of the fact whether he is first class or fourth class…. there should be no discrimination on caste as everyone must have same temples, water and cremation grounds,” he added.
A day after he claimed that DNA of all those living in Akhand Bharat, or Greater India, is same for 40,000 years and inclusivity is part of Indian culture, Mr. Bhagwat stressed on reaching out and helping neighbouring countries, irrespective of the fact that people of different religion or communities are living there.
“To promote the idea of India our culture and our thoughts for the world… it is important to expand our horizons… first expansion should happen with neighbouring countries. Most of the neighbouring countries of India were once India only. They are our own people, the geography is same, rivers are same, jungles are same… its just some lines, which were drawn on maps. So, all those who were ours must come together,” said Mr. Bhagwat.
He added that countries will remain as they are but no one can deny the fact that “all of us have same culture”.
“India is biggest among all the neighbouring countries and hence its our responsibility that we take care of them. We must ensure that peace and stability remains intact in our neighbouring countries along with their growth and environment. There can be different sects, religions there, but we all have same sanskar (culture) and there is no doubt about it,” he added.
Nation building
Stating that the core idea of RSS is “evolution of life mission of Hindu nation”, Mr. Bhagwat said that everyone living in India should contribute to nation-building.
“When we were struggling for independence, we had an option to die for nation but now, we need to live for the nation. How will you do that? Keep our country clean, opt for local products, help your neighbour, ensure you dont waste natural resources, speak in your mother tongue and make your childfren learn the same. Above all, follow the rules. Get your licenses renew before they expire, follow traffic rules… if anyone provokes you, dont fall for it. Go to police,” said Mr. Bhagwat.
He added that people must protest and demonstrate in case police or authorities concerned don’t pay heed to their issues but one must not take law in their own hands, no matter what.
He also urged Indians to take their children to nearest slums , which will make them humble and sensitive. “Take them to temples, slums near you before taking them to Switzerland,” he added.
Published – August 27, 2025 09:20 pm IST
