Hindu Nationalist Group Chief Backs Modi Self Reliance Push (1)

The leader of India’s Hindu nationalist group that nurtured Narendra Modi and his ruling party reiterated the prime minister’s call for self reliance in his annual speech to mark the Hindu festival of Dussehra on Thursday.

“The new tariff policy was adopted by the US for their benefit but the whole world is suffering,” Bhagwat said. “We need to rely on swadeshi and focus on self-reliance. Yet strive to maintain diplomatic relations with all our friendly nations, which will be with our wish and without compulsion.”

His comments come at a time when India is grappling with several risks ...