New Delhi: Amid US tariffs on India, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called for adopting Swadeshi in daily life, saying that international trade should be voluntary and not under pressure.
Bhagwat spoke on international trade on the second day of his three-day lecture series, coinciding with the day the US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports.
"Our country should be self-reliant in every aspect. When we talk about Swadeshi, people feel it means severing ties with foreign countries - but it is not so. The world runs on mutual self-reliance, just as a family does," Bhagwat said.
Talking about international trade, Bhagwat said, "In our national policy, global trade should be voluntary and not under pressure."
More than 50 diplomats, including Aaron Cope, Minister Counsellor (Political Affairs) at the US Embassy, attended.
Asking why India should import goods that can be made within the country, Bhagwat said the nation might still need to import essentials that are not manufactured domestically. "So international trade will go on the basis of give and take. It just should not be done under pressure - it must be voluntary," he said.
He suggested that to avoid pressure in international trade, Indians must practice Swadeshi as a way of life.
Bhagwat cited the example of soft drinks, saying that in summer, "if Shikanji (lemon water) can be made at home, why buy Coca-Cola or Sprite?"
He also emphasised prioritising domestic tourism alongside international travel: "Go to Paris, but also go to Kumbhalgarh."
Underlining the importance of adhering to the rule of law and the Constitution, Bhagwat said, "If we are provoked, we will not take the law into our own hands. If someone mocks, disrespects or abuses our faith, it is a crime - go to the police."
Indicating a lack of trust among people of different religions, Bhagwat said, "An effort should be made to establish mutual dialogue and a spirit of goodwill among all sections of society."
Discussing the rising unrest across the world, Bhagwat said that those who reject nobility and values in life are promoting radicalism.
Bhagwat spoke on international trade on the second day of his three-day lecture series, coinciding with the day the US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports.
"Our country should be self-reliant in every aspect. When we talk about Swadeshi, people feel it means severing ties with foreign countries - but it is not so. The world runs on mutual self-reliance, just as a family does," Bhagwat said.
Talking about international trade, Bhagwat said, "In our national policy, global trade should be voluntary and not under pressure."
More than 50 diplomats, including Aaron Cope, Minister Counsellor (Political Affairs) at the US Embassy, attended.
Asking why India should import goods that can be made within the country, Bhagwat said the nation might still need to import essentials that are not manufactured domestically. "So international trade will go on the basis of give and take. It just should not be done under pressure - it must be voluntary," he said.
He suggested that to avoid pressure in international trade, Indians must practice Swadeshi as a way of life.
Bhagwat cited the example of soft drinks, saying that in summer, "if Shikanji (lemon water) can be made at home, why buy Coca-Cola or Sprite?"
He also emphasised prioritising domestic tourism alongside international travel: "Go to Paris, but also go to Kumbhalgarh."
Underlining the importance of adhering to the rule of law and the Constitution, Bhagwat said, "If we are provoked, we will not take the law into our own hands. If someone mocks, disrespects or abuses our faith, it is a crime - go to the police."
Indicating a lack of trust among people of different religions, Bhagwat said, "An effort should be made to establish mutual dialogue and a spirit of goodwill among all sections of society."
Discussing the rising unrest across the world, Bhagwat said that those who reject nobility and values in life are promoting radicalism.
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