Bhagwat: Tariffs on India Driven by Fear of Its Rising Strength
Nagpur, Sept 12: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday remarked that the imposition of tariffs on Indian goods by foreign powers was a reflection of their fear of India’s growing strength and influence in the world. Speaking at the 7th foundation day of the Brahma Kumaris Vishwa Shanti Sarovar in Nagpur, Bhagwat said such measures reflected a “self-centred” approach that prioritised insecurity over cooperation.
“People across the world are afraid of what might happen to them if India becomes stronger and what their own position will be. That’s why tariffs have been imposed on Indian goods. But what have we done? We are thousands of miles away, with no direct connection, yet fear drives such actions,” he said, without directly naming any country.
His remarks came against the backdrop of recent tariffs imposed by the United States, where President Donald Trump approved a 50 per cent duty on Indian imports, including 25 per cent punitive measures linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. India has strongly criticised these restrictions, terming them “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
Broadening his message beyond trade, Bhagwat spoke of the need for humanity and nations alike to overcome fear and ego. He said the world continues to face crises because of a narrow, self-serving outlook. “The world today is looking for solutions but remains stuck because of an incomplete vision. Unless we shift from a mindset of ‘me’ to ‘us’, conflicts will persist. If we show compassion and rise above fear, there will be no enemies,” he asserted.
Emphasising India’s civilisational strengths, the RSS chief said the country was not only capable of addressing its own challenges but also of offering guidance to the world. “India is great, and Indians must strive to be great as well. We are big, but we have the capacity and the desire to grow even bigger,” he said, calling for a spirit of collective belongingness as the foundation of national growth.
Bhagwat noted that Indians, even in times of scarcity and hardship, display resilience and satisfaction because of their innate sense of togetherness. “There should be no scarcity, but if it exists, it will change in time. What matters is that, even in sorrow, people here remain content because of this spirit of belongingness,” he observed.
He also praised the Brahma Kumaris for their spiritual contributions, describing them as a women-led movement that inspires inner awakening. Drawing parallels, he said the RSS too seeks to work in ways that nurture consciousness and collective well-being.
