RSS-affiliated SJM urges boycott of US products over tariff threat

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), an economic organisation affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has called for a boycott of American products and digital platforms in response to a recent tariff threat from the United States. The organisation has urged the central government to remain firm in trade negotiations with Washington, asserting that India's sovereign trade policy cannot be dictated by external pressures.

The appeal comes after the US Senate passed legislation that, according to SJM, would empower the American President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries making significant purchases of Russian oil. The organisation said the move amounts to an attempt to dictate India's energy choices and infringes on its strategic autonomy.

“No country has the right to dictate India’s energy security and sovereign trade policy,” said Ashwani Mahajan, SJM national co-convenor. He added that India’s purchases of Russian crude are driven by price, availability, supply diversification and consumer interests, and not by any political alignment.

SJM said the proposed measure assumes greater significance as India and the US are currently engaged in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. The organisation argued that talks “cannot be conducted on gun point” and called on the government not to compromise on agriculture, dairy, energy security or strategic autonomy during the negotiations.

The organisation also urged the Centre to reconsider two recent policy moves which it claims favour US companies. These include changes allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) e-commerce entities greater flexibility over inventory for exports, and an amendment enabling merchant discount rate (MDR) on certain UPI transactions.

Going further, SJM called for a ban on US tech and social media companies if Washington pursued what it termed “unilateral economic coercion”. It asked citizens to begin by boycotting Pepsi, Coke and US-owned social media and e-commerce platforms, saying the campaign could be expanded if American actions continued.

SJM maintained that access to the US market should not be used to force third countries to alter their energy sourcing decisions. It said the proposed tariff legislation is an attempt to interfere with India's independent foreign policy and economic choices.

The development underscores the growing friction in India-US trade relations, even as both sides seek a broader trade agreement. While the US has raised concerns about India's energy imports from Russia, New Delhi has consistently defended its position, citing national interest and consumer welfare.

The SJM's call for a boycott reflects a broader sentiment among some sections of civil society and industry that India must resist external pressure in economic matters. However, the actual impact of such boycotts remains to be seen, as American brands have a significant presence in the Indian market.