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The Print
an hour ago
- Business
- The Print
RSS affiliate urges Centre to stay firm, prioritise national interest in face of Trump tariffs, penalties
Trump has announced imposition of 25 percent tariffs on Indian exports to the US from 7 August, along with an additional penalty due to New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian energy products, highlighting his concern over the ongoing negotiations for a mini-deal between the two countries. In a statement issued Friday, SJM's national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said India's 'sovereign right to procure defence equipment to strengthen self-reliance in defence production and to secure crude oil at the most competitive prices—essential to keeping domestic inflation under check—cannot be subjected to external pressure'. New Delhi: Expressing 'deep concern' over US President Donald Trump's announcement of tariffs and penalties on India over trade with Russia, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch has urged the Centre to maintain a firm stance over the matter and focus on national interest. SJM said that the US continues to exert pressure on multiple countries to lower tariffs outside the framework of World Trade Organisation rules, often invoking non-trade considerations under the guise of 'reciprocity'. It also said that the moment should be used to 'strengthen strategic autonomy, protect national interest, and advance a truly multipolar and equitable global trade order, and make a decisive move towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat''. Emphasising that such 'coercive' tactics will not have any impact on India, Mahajan said that India is emerging as a global power, and the US must realise that 'India is not the India of a decade ago'. 'We are emerging as a global power, demonstrated decisively during Operation Sindoor, and committed to building robust indigenous capabilities in arms production. The United States, too, needs to move beyond the inertia of a unipolar worldview and embrace the reality of a multipolar, cooperative order,' the statement read. The 'economic wing' of the RSS congratulated the Narendra Modi government for standing firm against 'pressure' during the ongoing India–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. 'Despite threats of reciprocal tariffs and the missed deadlines of 9 July and 31 July, Indian negotiators have rightly resisted attempts to force open our markets to genetically modified (GM) agricultural products, dairy imports, and other sensitive sectors,' it said. The organisation criticised the US for the penalties against India. 'It is unfortunate that the US has chosen to adopt punitive measures against a strategic partner at a time when the world must collectively respond to the far greater challenge posed by China's weaponisation of trade and global value chains. Rather than resorting to pressure, the US and India should strengthen cooperation to build resilient, diversified, and equitable global supply chains.' SJM further pointed out that the key sticky points in the current negotiations are related to the US' demand for market access for GM crops, deregulation of medical devices, and unrestricted cross-border data flows. 'India, on the other hand, has legitimately sought exemptions from steel, automobile, and pharmaceutical tariffs and defended its policy of data localisation. India's principled stand—that GM food imports threaten both our biodiversity and food security, and that sensitive data must remain within sovereign control—is fully aligned with our long-term national interest,' it added. It said that whether or not a trade agreement is reached, Indian exports to the US will continue on the basis of mutual economic benefit. 'We must avoid concessions that undermine our farmers, small-scale industries, or long-term economic self-reliance. The experience of recent years has shown that India can leverage shifting global trade patterns—including those resulting from US–China tensions—to its advantage without compromising core interests.' The organisation has also urged the Indian government to accelerate diversification of trade beyond traditional partners, deepening ties with Latin America, Africa, the expanded BRICS bloc, and the Global South. 'While the US remains India's largest trading partner, trade must always serve mutual benefit—not be used as an instrument of pressure. SJM understands that trade threats will ultimately harm US consumers by driving up domestic inflation. For India, any short-term losses will only strengthen the imperative of becoming self-reliant in critical sectors,' the statement added. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: 'Evil attempt' to malign Hindus rejected: RSS, VHP welcome 2008 Malegaon blast verdict
Economic Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Unfortunate that US chose to adopt punitive measures against India: SJM on US tariffs
ANI Swadeshi Jagran Manch welcomes government's decisive action against Pakistan-supported terrorism The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on Friday slammed the US for applying "coercive tactics" on India to gain access to Indian markets in sensitive sectors, and asked the government to stay firm on its stance to protect national interest. While trade threats will ultimately harm US consumers by driving up domestic inflation, for India, any "short-term losses" will only strengthen the imperative of becoming self-reliant in critical sectors, the RSS affiliate added. The SJM was reacting to US President Donald Trump announcing a 25% tariff on India and an additional penalty for New Delhi's purchases from Russia."The SJM expresses deep concern over US President Donald Trump's recent statement threatening 'unspecified penalties' against India's trade ties with Russia, in addition to the already announced 25 percent tariff hike," the Manch's national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said in a statement. He said India's sovereign right to procure defence equipment to strengthen self-reliance in defence production and to secure crude oil at the most competitive prices, essential to keeping domestic inflation under check, cannot be subjected to external pressure. If Washington believes that such "coercive tactics" can sway India's decisions, it must recognise that today's India is not the India of a decade ago, he added."The SJM urges the government of India to maintain its firm stance and to use this moment to strengthen strategic autonomy, protect national interest, and advance a truly multi-polar and equitable global trade order, and make a decisive move towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," Mahajan said."We are emerging as a global power, demonstrated decisively during Operation Sindoor, and committed to building robust indigenous capabilities in arms production. The United States, too, needs to move beyond the inertia of a unipolar world view and embrace the reality of a multi-polar, cooperative order," he said. "The SJM believes this is a moment to accelerate diversification of trade beyond traditional partners, deepening ties with Latin America, Africa, the expanded BRICS bloc, and the Global South. While the US remains India's largest trading partner, trade must always serve mutual benefit - not be used as an instrument of pressure," he added. Mahajan said it is "unfortunate" that the US has chosen to adopt punitive measures against India, which is a strategic partner of the country, at a time when the world must collectively respond to the far greater challenge posed by China's weaponisation of trade and global value chains. Beijing's restrictions on rare earth exports is causing huge harm to manufacturing capacities worldwide, he said. Rather than resorting to building pressure, the US should strengthen cooperation with India to build resilient, diversified, and equitable global supply chains, he added. "We congratulate the government of India for standing firm against pressure during the ongoing India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations despite threats of reciprocal tariffs and the missed deadlines of July 9 and July 31," the SJM national co-convenor said. Indian negotiators have "rightly" resisted attempts to force open our markets to genetically modified (GM) agricultural products, dairy imports, and other sensitive sectors, he added. "It is worth noting that the US continues to exert pressure on multiple countries to lower tariffs outside the framework of WTO rules, often invoking non-trade considerations under the guise of reciprocity," Mahajan said. "The key sticking points in the current negotiations remain the US demand for market access for GM crops, deregulation of medical devices, and unrestricted cross-border data flows," he has legitimately sought exemptions from steel, automobile, and pharmaceutical tariffs and defended its policy of data localisation, he added "India's 'principled stand' that GM food imports threaten both our biodiversity and food security, and that sensitive data must remain within sovereign control is fully aligned with our long-term national interest," the senior SJM functionary said. "We must avoid concessions that undermine our farmers, small-scale industries, or long-term economic self-reliance." he said. The experience of recent years has shown that India can leverage shifting global trade patterns, including those "resulting from US-China tensions", to its advantage without compromising core interests, he added.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Unfortunate that US chose to adopt punitive measures against India: SJM on US tariffs
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch ( SJM ) on Friday slammed the US for applying "coercive tactics" on India to gain access to Indian markets in sensitive sectors, and asked the government to stay firm on its stance to protect national interest. While trade threats will ultimately harm US consumers by driving up domestic inflation, for India, any "short-term losses" will only strengthen the imperative of becoming self-reliant in critical sectors, the RSS affiliate added. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category The SJM was reacting to US President Donald Trump announcing a 25% tariff on India and an additional penalty for New Delhi 's purchases from Russia. "The SJM expresses deep concern over US President Donald Trump's recent statement threatening 'unspecified penalties' against India's trade ties with Russia, in addition to the already announced 25 percent tariff hike," the Manch's national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said in a statement. He said India's sovereign right to procure defence equipment to strengthen self-reliance in defence production and to secure crude oil at the most competitive prices, essential to keeping domestic inflation under check, cannot be subjected to external pressure. Live Events If Washington believes that such "coercive tactics" can sway India's decisions, it must recognise that today's India is not the India of a decade ago, he added. "The SJM urges the government of India to maintain its firm stance and to use this moment to strengthen strategic autonomy, protect national interest, and advance a truly multi-polar and equitable global trade order, and make a decisive move towards ' Aatmanirbhar Bharat '," Mahajan said. "We are emerging as a global power, demonstrated decisively during Operation Sindoor, and committed to building robust indigenous capabilities in arms production. The United States, too, needs to move beyond the inertia of a unipolar world view and embrace the reality of a multi-polar, cooperative order," he said. "The SJM believes this is a moment to accelerate diversification of trade beyond traditional partners, deepening ties with Latin America, Africa, the expanded BRICS bloc, and the Global South . While the US remains India's largest trading partner, trade must always serve mutual benefit - not be used as an instrument of pressure," he added. Mahajan said it is "unfortunate" that the US has chosen to adopt punitive measures against India, which is a strategic partner of the country, at a time when the world must collectively respond to the far greater challenge posed by China's weaponisation of trade and global value chains. Beijing's restrictions on rare earth exports is causing huge harm to manufacturing capacities worldwide, he said. Rather than resorting to building pressure, the US should strengthen cooperation with India to build resilient, diversified, and equitable global supply chains, he added. "We congratulate the government of India for standing firm against pressure during the ongoing India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations despite threats of reciprocal tariffs and the missed deadlines of July 9 and July 31," the SJM national co-convenor said. Indian negotiators have "rightly" resisted attempts to force open our markets to genetically modified (GM) agricultural products, dairy imports, and other sensitive sectors, he added. "It is worth noting that the US continues to exert pressure on multiple countries to lower tariffs outside the framework of WTO rules, often invoking non-trade considerations under the guise of reciprocity," Mahajan said. "The key sticking points in the current negotiations remain the US demand for market access for GM crops, deregulation of medical devices, and unrestricted cross-border data flows," he added. India has legitimately sought exemptions from steel, automobile, and pharmaceutical tariffs and defended its policy of data localisation, he added "India's 'principled stand' that GM food imports threaten both our biodiversity and food security, and that sensitive data must remain within sovereign control is fully aligned with our long-term national interest," the senior SJM functionary said. "We must avoid concessions that undermine our farmers, small-scale industries, or long-term economic self-reliance." he said. The experience of recent years has shown that India can leverage shifting global trade patterns, including those "resulting from US-China tensions", to its advantage without compromising core interests, he added.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Donald Trump's outburst may help government counter charge of 'surrender'
NEW DELHI: From being charged with surrendering to Donald Trump and suspending Operation Sindoor, to being attacked by the US President for not towing his line on the trade deal, events have moved fast for the Narendra Modi govt over the last 48 hours or so. The US President's unsubstantiated claim that he coerced India into agreeing to cease its offensive against Pakistan embarrassed the Modi govt and gave its opponents a stick to beat it with. Both PM Narendra Modi's statement that "no world leader" (read Trump) nor the external affair minister's assertion that Trump and Modi did not talk during Operation Sindoor were rejected. But Trump's outbursts against India may serve to reinforce govt's refutation. India is missing among the countries which have acquiesced to his demands for tariff concessions to make - as the US President said on Truth Social, his megaphone - "the US extremely happy". While this extractive mercantilist stance is sure to create complications for India, it also presents the Modi govt an opportunity to rebut the "surrender" charge. The regime, which claims to know how to turn challenges into opportunities, seems to have already made the first moves. On Thursday, commerce minister Piyush Goyal, while using a restrained tone, made it clear that India is not going to compromise on the interests of farmers, dairy sector and micro and small enterprises, referring to the red lines which, sources said, India had drawn during the negotiations and has refused to move from. The line is going to be sharpened if the stalemate drags on. The "not-at-the-cost-of national interest" bottom line publicly sketched by the Modi govt over the last 24 hours will require it to hold on to it; even at the cost of a US President who is not used to taking a "no" in stride. A "non compromising" stand will also play well with the larger Sangh Parivar; especially risky affiliates like Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) as well as small traders and entrepreneurs. For BKS, it will be an opportunity to rebut the criticism that farmers' interest are not the priority for BJP. Modi govt enjoys the support of large sections of peasantry; thanks to stipends under Kisan Samman Nidhi and schemes like farm insurance which, after initial hiccups, are giving results. But it has had to contend with challenges like allegations that were hurled when it tried to change the land acquisition law and bring in farm sector reforms. Unlike BJP, SJM has always been suspicious of the US and always viewed engagements through the prism of wariness. A confrontation with the US can also come handily to reassure the party's constituency among small and medium entrepreneurs.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
RSS arm seeks clarity on draft guidelines on biosimilars
Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), economic wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), urged the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the apex drug regulatory authority, to bring more clarity in its draft guidelines to ensure production of high-quality and cost-effective biosimilars in the country. In a letter to the Director General of CDSCO, SJM sought safeguards for the Indian industry from 'international pressures for regulations' that favour multi-national pharma companies. The CDSCO had recently issued the 2025 draft guidelines on similar biologics, also called biosimilars. 'Though the draft guidelines represent a pivotal advancement in making affordable, life-saving biosimilars accessible to millions of Indians suffering from chronic and life-threatening conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders it requires more clarity and direction,' the SJM letter reads. The SJM appreciated the draft guidelines for embracing the '3Rs principle' (replacement, reduction, refinement) as it reflects India's commitment to ethical scientific practices and alignment with global standards for animal welfare. Modern technologies, including in-vitro assays, organ-on-chip models, and computational simulations, provide robust, accurate, and humane alternatives to confirm the safety and biosimilarity of these drugs, it said. 'These methods are often faster and more precise than animal studies, reducing both ethical concerns and development costs,' it added. The organisation, however, noted that the guidelines stipulating that it will be the discretion of the CDSCO to decide whether a requirement of 'additional non-clinical in vivo animal studies' should be waived or not, poses a 'risk' of increasing biosimilar development cost. This provision goes against the practices of the leading regulatory authorities in other countries, it added. 'Prominent regulatory authorities like the UK MHRA, European Medicine Agency (EMA) Health Canada, and USFDA have either eliminated or phased out mandatory animal testing for biosimilars,' SJM said, adding its recommendation that waiving animal studies entirely when comprehensive laboratory tests demonstrate high similarity between a biosimilar and its reference product. Recently, civil societies, in a letter to CDSCO on the draft guidelines on biosimilars, has urged that there is an urgent need to eliminate unnecessary animal studies, and establish clear conditions for requiring comparative clinical trials for affordable biosimilars without compromising safety and efficacy. According to the SJM, the draft guidelines' provision to waive certain clinical trials when biosimilarity is established through analytical and functional studies is a forward-thinking measure, saying this approach can significantly reduce development costs and expedite market entry, which is critical for patients awaiting affordable treatments. However, the lack of explicit criteria in the guidelines for when waivers are permitted introduces ambiguity, potentially leading to inconsistent application and delays as well as 'room for corrupt practices', it said, stressing the need to establish 'clear conditions' for conduct of clinical trials.
