'Dependence must not turn into compulsion': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat bats for swadeshi amid India-US tariff tension

Mohan Bhagwat at RSS Vijayadashami Utsav celebrating the centenary year of the organisation in Nagpur

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said the impact of tariff imposed by the US on India is being felt by everyone.

He was addressing the annual Vijayadashami address on Thursday as the organisation, considered as the ruling BJP’s ideological fountainhead, is set to complete 100 years this year.

"The new tariff policy implemented by the US was done keeping in mind the interest of their own. But everyone is affected by them... The world functions with dependence on each other; this is how relations between any two nations are maintained. 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,” said RSS chief.

He also condemned the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.

"Terrorists from across the border killed 26 Indians after asking their religion. The nation was mourning and angry about the terror attack. With complete preparations, our government and armed forces gave a befitting reply. The government's dedication, the armed forces' valour, and the unity in the society presented an ideal atmosphere in the country... The role played by various nations after this incident and our operation revealed our true friends. Within the country as well, there are unconstitutional elements who try to destabilise the country..." he said.

The RSS chief also said the attack showed that even if India adopts a friendly approach to all countries, it needs to be alert and strong to defend its own security. “The role played by various nations after this incident and our operation revealed our true friends. Within the country as well, there are unconstitutional elements who try to destabilise the country," he said.

Bhagwat also said after the Pahalgam attack, stances of various nations revealed the nature and extent of their friendship with India