Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) National Executive member Ram Madhav, in an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, provided insights into India's key priorities, its approach to global challenges, the diverse nature of its international relations, the significance of capital from different quarters, the ongoing initiatives concerning free trade agreements, and the strategic economic path that the nation is currently pursuing, among other topics.
Autonomous diplomacy and global stance
Ram Madhav, discussing how India positions itself as a counter to China in the changing geopolitical landscape, emphasised that there is a departure from traditional narratives of global power struggles. He highlighted India's autonomous strategic outlook and independent decision-making, citing examples like opposing Hamas acts while supporting a Gaza ceasefire.
“The world now sees India as a country with a very autonomous strategic outlook. We behaved in a very strategic and autonomous manner in many different situations. From that perspective, it's a country with its own mind. That is the reason why we oppose Hamas' terror acts in Israel. Our representatives at the UN have voted to work towards a ceasefire in Gaza. So, we work on what we think is right. We took a stand on the Ukraine-Russia crisis, and we took a stand on the issue of Israel-Hamas. We continue our relations with all the powers. We are friendly with Russia, we have good relations with Iran, and we have strong ties with the USA and European powers. So, this is how India is seen today,” Ram Madhav said.
Global South looks to India
Ram Madhav underscored a substantial shift towards India following the G20, noting that more than 100 countries in the Global South now seek India's active involvement in championing their causes. While rejecting the term "leadership", he says India’s focus remains on being at the forefront of addressing economic, ecological, and climate issues. He stressed India's commitment to responsibly contribute to global affairs.
"After the G20, we continue to work for the good of the Global South. The countries in the Global South, which number more than 100 or so, are today looking up to India for a frontline role — taking up the causes of the Global South and championing the issues for the welfare of humanity,” the RSS functionary said.
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India eyes manufacturing sector growth amidst China's challenges
When asked about China's current challenges and the ongoing global discourse and whether India should capitalise on this situation to become a major global player, he suggested that the focus should be on drawing manufacturing-related investments to India. Recognising China's economic challenges as an opportunity, he also emphasised the necessity for increased private investment to fully exploit the potential for growth in the manufacturing sector.
“We need to get more manufacturing-related investment into India; we need to develop the manufacturing sector. Of course, the Chinese, their economy, their behaviour in the world also come as opportunities. But China or no China, India has to focus on developing, and strengthening its manufacturing sector. We can't simply depend on the services sector alone; the government's focus is not going to be sufficient; we need more and more private investment to come into manufacturing. Here is an opportunity for India to develop its economic capabilities; the government is very much focused in that direction,” Ram Madhav said.
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Targets capital inflow from global sources
Regarding potential partnerships or alliances to boost India's capabilities, the RSS National Executive member said that the primary focus lies in attracting capital from both domestic and international sources. Specifically, he highlighted Saudi Arabia and the UAE, acknowledging their significant investment capabilities. He also emphasised the guiding principle of pursuing opportunities where capital is readily available.
“There is capital available, for example, in the Middle East. Whether it is Saudi Arabia or the UAE, (they) have enormous capital to invest in our country. Of course, traditionally strong economies like Japan, the USA, and Europe are also important. That's the reason why one of the first free-trade agreements that we concluded after Modiji came to power was with the UAE. We are now working on a free-trade agreement with the European Union. So, we have traditionally had free trade agreements with ASEAN. Where there is capital, there we should go. That's the simple principle,” the RSS leader said.
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