August 2, 2025

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) voiced strong opposition on Friday against the United States' coercive tactics aimed at India to gain access to its markets, particularly in sensitive sectors. In light of US President Donald Trump announcing a hefty 25% tariff on imports from India, alongside penalties for India's purchases from Russia, the SJM emphasized the necessity for the Indian government to uphold a firm stance to safeguard national interests. SJM's national co-convenor, Ashwani Mahajan, expressed deep concern about the US's recent threats to impose 'unspecified penalties' on India's trade relations with Russia. He stated that India's right to procure defense equipment and secure crude oil at competitive prices should not be subjected to external pressure. Mahajan highlighted that any short-term losses incurred by India would ultimately reinforce the call for self-reliance in critical sectors – a core tenet of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative launched by the Indian government. Notably, Mahajan stressed, "Today's India is not the India of a decade ago," and urged the US to recognize the changing dynamics. He called for the Indian government to seize this opportunity to fortify its strategic autonomy and promote a multi-polar global trade order, emphasizing the importance of mutual benefits in trade rather than using it as a leverage tool. The SJM articulated that India is emerging as a global power, with a commitment to building strong indigenous capabilities in arms production showcased during various military operations, including Operation Sindoor. Mahajan recommended that the US should also move beyond its longstanding unipolar perspective and embrace a more cooperative multi-polar approach. Furthermore, Mahajan remarked on the potential for India to diversify its trade relationships beyond traditional partners. He suggested strengthening ties with regions like Latin America, Africa, the expanded BRICS bloc, and the broader Global South. Despite the US remaining India's largest trading partner, Mahajan insisted that trade must focus on mutual enhancement rather than coercive measures. The SJM expressed disappointment that the US chose to impose punitive measures at a time when global cooperation is crucial in addressing the threats posed by China’s aggressive trade practices, particularly regarding rare earth exports that adversely affect worldwide manufacturing capacities. The SJM advocated for enhanced US-India cooperation to develop resilient and equitable global supply chains instead. The organization praised the Indian government for its resilience during ongoing negotiations for the India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), despite pressure and threats regarding reciprocal tariffs. Indian negotiators have maintained a principled approach, pushing back against demands to open markets to genetically modified (GM) agricultural products and dairy imports, which they believe could undermine local agriculture and interests. Mahajan pointed out that the US continues to pressure various nations to lower tariffs outside the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, often invoking non-trade considerations. The current negotiations are centered around contentious issues such as the US's desire for access to GM crops, the deregulation of medical devices, and unrestricted data flows, all of which raise concerns in India regarding biodiversity, food security, and economic sovereignty. India's resistance to these demands reflects its commitment to long-term national interests. Mahajan reaffirmed that the country must avoid any concessions that could jeopardize the integrity of its farmers and small-scale industries. Recent years have demonstrated that India can leverage shifting global trade patterns, especially those influenced by US-China tensions, to its advantage while remaining focused on protecting its core interests. The SJM’s stance indicates a broader push for India to maintain its sovereignty and pursue paths toward greater self-reliance in the increasingly complex global trade landscape.

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Tags: Swadeshi jagran manch, India-us relations, Tariff, National interest, Self-reliance,