'We have no option but to be powerful, for national security, we must not...': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

In a reaffirmation of India security imperatives, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that India has “no option but to be powerful", framing strength not as a matter of policy but as a civilisational imperative. His remarks, delivered in the run-up to the Sangh’s centenary, comes weeks after Operation Sindoor.

In an exclusive interview with Organiser, the RSS-linked publication, Bhagwat made it clear that security begins with society, not just the state. Framing national security beyond military doctrine, Bhagwat urged Hindu society to develop inner strength and take responsibility for its own defence.

Bhagwat stressed that power must not be pursued for dominance, but for self-preservation and dignity. “We’re not doing this to rule over world markets but to allow every person a peaceful, healthy, empowered life,” he said, adding that India must stand ready against hostile forces at its borders.

Framing national security beyond military doctrine, the RSS chief urged Hindu society to develop inner strength and take responsibility for its own defence. “Security begins with society, not just the state,” he said, warning that fragmented communities are inherently vulnerable. He also linked caste harmony, ecological balance, and family values to India’s long-term security infrastructure.

Citing growing awareness among Hindus in neighbouring countries, Bhagwat remarked that many are now choosing to resist rather than flee. “Even local Hindus in Bangladesh are saying – we’ll stay and fight,” he added. He attributed this shift to an awakening of internal strength within the global Hindu community.

Without a direct reference to Operation Sindoor, Bhagwat echoed its underlying philosophy of readiness, self-sufficiency, and joint effort. “We must prepare so that war is not needed,” he said, invoking the idea of ‘Swa’ – rootedness in civilisational identity – as a strategic compass. He called for India to be “invincible” and free from dependence on foreign powers for its protection.

In a straightforward exposition of the idea of deterrence, Bhagwat said: “Grant us such a strength that globally we are invincible. True strength is internal. For national security, we must not be dependent on others. We should be able to defend ourselves. No one should be able to conquer us – not even if multiple powers come together. There are evil forces in the world who are aggressive by nature. We don’t pray for war, but we prepare so that war is not needed".