tariffs-reflect-fear-over-india-s-rise-mohan-bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said tariffs had been imposed on India out of fear of its growing strength, remarking that the country had done nothing to provoke such measures.

 

“People in the world are afraid of what might happen to them if India grows stronger and of what their own position will be. That’s why tariffs have been imposed on Indian goods. But we have done nothing. When you are seven seas away and there is no connection, why the fear?” Bhagwat asked.

 

Speaking at the seventh foundation day of the Brahma Kumaris Vishwa Shanti Sarovar in Nagpur, he termed such steps as reflective of “a self-centred approach”.

 

His comments come at a time when US President Donald Trump has announced a 50 per cent tariff on India, including a 25 per cent punitive duty for Russian oil purchases. India has described the move as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”.

 

Bhagwat, however, dwelt less on policy specifics and more on philosophy. He said human beings and nations would continue to face problems unless they recognised their true self. “If we show compassion and overcome fear, we will have no enemies,” he added.

Also read: Mohan Bhagwat says devotion and patriotism are one in India

 

He called for a change in mindset from “me” to “us”, arguing that selfishness lay at the heart of global disorder. “The world today is looking for solutions, as it has been unable to find a way forward due to its incomplete vision. It is impossible for them to find the way because of their ‘only me’ approach,” Bhagwat remarked.

 

The RSS chief maintained that India has the potential to offer direction to the world. “India is great and Indians must strive to be great as well. India is big and it wants to grow bigger,” he said.

 

He praised the resilience of Indians, noting their ability to remain content in adversity. “There should be no scarcity, but if it exists, it will change when the time comes. Yet, even in hardship and sorrow, people here remain satisfied because of this spirit of belongingness,” he said.

 

Lauding the Brahma Kumaris, a women-led spiritual movement, Bhagwat said the RSS works in a similar manner to awaken inner consciousness.