Why Did RSS Suddenly Call a Major Meeting? Mohan Bhagwat to Preside in Delhi

Why Did RSS Suddenly Call a Major Meeting? Mohan Bhagwat to Preside in DelhiThe Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called an emergency meeting of top officials in Delhi on August 19 and 20, 2025, following the recent imposition of a 50% tariff by the United States on Indian goods—a move India has formally objected to, but the US has not revoked or reconsidered.

Context and Background

• US 50% Tariff on India: The sudden high tariff by America has sparked economic and diplomatic concerns in India, with strong government and organizational responses.

• RSS’s Dissent: The RSS has publicly criticized the US policy, even suggesting in its mouthpiece that America is disguising itself as a "messiah of freedom and democracy" while, in their view, actually promoting terrorism, dictatorship, and using trade wars as tools to weaken other nations' sovereignty.

Purpose of the Unexpected Meeting

• Top Leadership Present: The gathering is highly significant, as it will be led by Sarsanghchalak (chief) Mohan Bhagwat and include all top RSS leaders—the General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, all six Joint General Secretaries, other national officials, and representatives from RSS-affiliated economic organizations (such as Laghu Udyog Bharati, Sahakar Bharati, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, and Kisan Sangh).

• Strategic Discussion: The main agenda is to deeply discuss and strategize on the effects of the new US tariff policy and brainstorm ways to protect India’s economy from its fallout.

• Inclusive Approach: About 50 to 60 representatives from RSS affiliates in the economic field and possibly some BJP leaders and central government officials are expected to attend.

Significance

• High-level RSS leaders, such as the Sarsanghchalak and Sarkaryavah, rarely attend economic group meetings unless an issue is exceptionally critical for the nation.

• The meeting signals the gravity with which the RSS and its allied organizations view the US-India trade dispute and their intent to take an active role—beyond politics—in steering India’s response and safeguarding Indian interests.

In short: The RSS’s urgent meeting, led by Mohan Bhagwat, has been convened to formulate a cohesive strategy around the US tariff issue—a move signaling the Sangh’s proactive involvement in key national economic challenges and policy debates.