RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch has called for a boycott of American products NEW DELHI: From Russian oil to Pepsi, Coke and social media, the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch has sought to turn the latest US tariff threat into a wider “swadeshi” campaign, calling on Indians to boycott American products and platforms and asking the Centre to stay firm in trade negotiations with Washington.The RSS-affiliated economic body reacted to legislation passed by the US Senate that, according to SJM, would empower the American President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries making significant purchases of Russian oil. It said the move amounted to an attempt to dictate India’s energy choices.“No country has the right to dictate India’s energy security and sovereign trade policy,” SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said, adding that India’s Russian crude purchases were driven by price, availability, supply diversification and consumer interests.SJM said the proposed measure assumed greater significance with India and the US engaged in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, arguing that talks “cannot be conducted on gun point”.It also urged the Centre to reconsider two recent policy moves which it claimed favoured US companies — changes allowing FDI e-commerce entities greater flexibility over inventory for exports and an amendment enabling merchant discount rate on certain UPI transactions.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesGoing 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.The organisation asked the government to reject any attempt to link tariffs with India’s oil purchases and not compromise on agriculture, dairy, energy security or strategic autonomy during trade negotiations.SJM maintained that access to the US market should not be used to force third countries to alter their energy sourcing decisions.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition DemandDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker123PhotostoriesThe science behind coriander leaves turning black in the refrigerator and 4 easy hacks to keep them fresh for long8 Indian dinners with over 30g protein that don’t require protein powderThe quiet side of Sundar Pichai: 7 things about the Google CEO that have little to do with GoogleInside Jannat Zubair’s opulent Mumbai home: From massive living room, royal interiors and more7 giant dog breeds that are gentle and friendly with kids10 simple ways to leave your comfort zone without disrupting your life and enjoy it moreFrom Kaziranga to Bandipur: Indian forests every elephant lover should know this World Elephant Day7 signs the chemistry is real, but the relationship may not work9 of the most expensive ingredients grown in India6 common mistakes to avoid with pakodas and how to make them crispier123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani
NEW DELHI: From Russian oil to Pepsi, Coke and social media, the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch has sought to turn the latest US tariff threat into a wider “swadeshi” campaign, calling on Indians to boycott American products and platforms and asking the Centre to stay firm in trade negotiations with Washington.The RSS-affiliated economic body reacted to legislation passed by the US Senate that, according to SJM, would empower the American President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries making significant purchases of Russian oil. It said the move amounted to an attempt to dictate India’s energy choices.“No country has the right to dictate India’s energy security and sovereign trade policy,” SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said, adding that India’s Russian crude purchases were driven by price, availability, supply diversification and consumer interests.SJM said the proposed measure assumed greater significance with India and the US engaged in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, arguing that talks “cannot be conducted on gun point”.It also urged the Centre to reconsider two recent policy moves which it claimed favoured US companies — changes allowing FDI e-commerce entities greater flexibility over inventory for exports and an amendment enabling merchant discount rate on certain UPI transactions.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
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.The organisation asked the government to reject any attempt to link tariffs with India’s oil purchases and not compromise on agriculture, dairy, energy security or strategic autonomy during trade negotiations.SJM maintained that access to the US market should not be used to force third countries to alter their energy sourcing decisions.
