How the Swadeshi Jagran Manch is Responding to US Trade Pressure on India

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has voiced strong opposition to the United States' coercive trade tactics aimed at India, urging the government to uphold national interests. In response to President Trump's recent tariff announcements, SJM's Ashwani Mahajan emphasized the importance of self-reliance in critical sectors. He called for India to strengthen its strategic autonomy and diversify trade partnerships beyond traditional allies. The SJM's stance highlights the need for India to resist external pressures while navigating the complexities of global trade dynamics, particularly in light of challenges posed by China. This article delves into the implications of these trade negotiations and India's commitment to building a robust, self-sufficient economy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 11:40 IST

SJM Criticizes US Trade Tactics

New Delhi: The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding the United States' use of "coercive tactics" aimed at gaining access to India's sensitive market sectors, urging the Indian government to uphold its commitment to national interests.

The organization highlighted that while the US's trade threats may ultimately lead to increased domestic inflation, any temporary setbacks for India could reinforce the necessity for self-reliance in crucial industries.

This statement came in response to US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian goods, along with additional penalties related to India's dealings with Russia.

Ashwani Mahajan, the national co-convenor of SJM, voiced concerns over Trump's recent remarks threatening unspecified penalties against India's trade relations with Russia, in addition to the previously mentioned tariff increase.

He emphasized that India's sovereign right to procure defense equipment and secure crude oil at competitive prices should not be subjected to external pressures.

Mahajan pointed out that if Washington believes such "coercive tactics" will influence India's decisions, it must recognize that India today is not the same as it was a decade ago.

The SJM called on the Indian government to maintain its firm position and leverage this situation to enhance strategic autonomy, safeguard national interests, and promote a truly multi-polar and fair global trade environment, while advancing towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat.'

He noted that India is emerging as a global power, as demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, and is dedicated to developing strong indigenous capabilities in arms production. Mahajan urged the US to move past its unipolar perspective and acknowledge the reality of a cooperative, multi-polar world.

The SJM sees this as an opportunity to diversify trade beyond traditional partners, strengthening ties with regions like Latin America, Africa, the expanded BRICS bloc, and the Global South. While the US remains India's largest trading partner, trade should always be mutually beneficial and not a tool for pressure.

Mahajan lamented the US's decision to impose punitive measures against India, a strategic ally, especially when the global community should be united in addressing the more significant challenges posed by China's manipulation of trade and global supply chains.

He pointed out that China's restrictions on rare earth exports are severely impacting manufacturing capabilities worldwide.

Instead of applying pressure, the US should collaborate with India to create resilient, diversified, and equitable global supply chains.

The SJM congratulated the Indian government for standing firm against external pressures during the ongoing negotiations for the India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), despite threats of reciprocal tariffs and missed deadlines.

Indian negotiators have successfully resisted attempts to open markets to genetically modified (GM) agricultural products, dairy imports, and other sensitive sectors.

Mahajan remarked that the US continues to pressure various countries to reduce tariffs outside the WTO framework, often citing non-trade considerations under the guise of reciprocity.

Key issues in the current negotiations include the US's demand for market access for GM crops, deregulation of medical devices, and unrestricted cross-border data flows.

India has rightfully sought exemptions from tariffs on steel, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals while defending its data localization policy.

Mahajan asserted that India's principled stance against GM food imports is crucial for protecting biodiversity and food security, and that sensitive data must remain under sovereign control.

He emphasized the need to avoid concessions that could undermine farmers, small industries, or long-term economic self-sufficiency.

Recent experiences have shown that India can capitalize on shifting global trade dynamics, including those arising from US-China tensions, without compromising its core interests.