---
title: "RSS Economic Wing Urges India to Reject US Tariff Pressure on Russian Oil"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/rss-wing-urges-india-reject-us-tariff-pressure-fmq7u
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-13T01:00:27.252Z
modified: 2026-08-13T04:45:07.096Z
language: en-IN
---

# RSS Economic Wing Urges India to Reject US Tariff Pressure on Russian Oil

The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, RSS's economic wing, called on India's government to resist US pressure and tariffs related to its purchase of Russian crude oil. The organization also urged a boycott of American products and services.

## Key takeaways

- The RSS's economic wing, SJM, advised India's government to resist U.S. pressure and tariffs related to Russian oil purchases.
- SJM stated India's energy buying decisions are based on national interests and cannot be dictated by other countries.
- The organization warned that unilateral tariffs could disrupt international trade and create economic uncertainty.
- SJM also recommended boycotting American products and services in response to U.S. actions.
- Concerns were raised about U.S. companies potentially benefiting from India's e-commerce and digital payment policy changes.

The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), the economic arm of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), has advised the Indian government to stand firm against United States pressure concerning energy policy. The SJM specifically urged the Centre to reject any U.S. attempts to use tariffs as a means to influence India's procurement of Russian crude oil.

This stance follows recent U.S. Senate legislation that could enable the U.S. President to impose substantial tariffs on nations buying significant amounts of Russian oil. The SJM National Co Convener, Ashwani Mahajan, stated that India's energy purchases are driven by national interests including energy security, availability, price, and supply diversification.

## Key Facts

- The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), the economic wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), urged the Central Government on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, to resist U.S. tariff pressure.
- The SJM supports India's continued purchase of Russian crude oil, citing energy security, availability, price, and consumer interests.
- The organization reacted to U.S. Senate legislation proposing tariffs of up to 100% on countries making significant purchases of Russian oil.
- Ashwani Mahajan, SJM National Co Convener, stated that India's sovereign right to purchase energy cannot be dictated by a third country.
- The SJM also criticized recent policy changes regarding foreign investment in e-commerce and proposed levies on UPI transactions, suggesting they could benefit U.S. companies.
- The SJM called for a boycott of American products and services, including food and beverage brands, social media firms, and e-commerce platforms.

## Background

The SJM's appeal comes amidst ongoing trade negotiations between India and the United States. The organization contends that such discussions should be founded on principles of equality and mutual respect, rather than the threat of punitive tariffs. Mahajan argued that allowing one nation to impose tariffs on another's trade with a third country jeopardizes the principle of sovereign economic decision-making.

Beyond energy policy, the SJM addressed domestic economic issues, specifically expressing concern over potential impacts on Indian businesses and digital payment systems from recent policy shifts. They urged the government to reassess e-commerce policies and proposed regulations on merchant discount rates (MDR) for UPI transactions, suggesting these measures might favor U.S.-based corporations.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/rss-wing-urges-india-reject-us-tariff-pressure-fmq7u
Reported from: Multiple Sources