Overview

• RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said global interdependence should not become compulsion and called for diplomatic ties based on choice, not coercion.
• He urged India to rely on swadeshi and deepen self‑reliance in response to the United States’ tariff policy.
• The United States imposed a 50% levy on select Indian goods in August, with reporting that half functions as a penalty tied to purchases of Russian energy.
• Industry accounts say the duties are hitting labour‑intensive exporters, including textiles, gems and jewellery, and furniture.
• Trade talks have yet to yield an agreement, while Hindustan Times reported a proposed $100,000 fee for new H‑1B applications and Prime Minister Narendra Modi renewed a public call to buy swadeshi.