What's holding India back from becoming Vishwaguru? RSS chief explains

At an RSS event in Nagpur, Mohan Bhagwat said India can guide a conflict-ridden world but must first strengthen itself, arguing that inadequate preparation is delaying the country's ambition to become a Vishwaguru (world leader).

In Short

• Mohan Bhagwat says India can offer solutions to global conflicts, wars
• He stresses India is not ready yet to become 'Vishwaguru', explains why
• Highlights global power struggles affecting even uninvolved countries

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said India has the potential to provide holistic solutions to a world increasingly burdened by conflicts, social divisions and environmental challenges, but stressed that the country's aspiration of becoming a 'Vishwaguru' (world leader) remains unrealised because it has not prepared itself adequately for that role.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of an RSS volunteer training camp in Nagpur, Bhagwat said India has long spoken of becoming a 'Vishwaguru', but the biggest obstacle is the nation's own lack of readiness.

"We have been saying for a long time that India is or should become a Vishwaguru. The question is what is stopping us. What is holding us back is our lack of preparation," Bhagwat said.

Asserting that "India's time has come", the RSS chief said favourable circumstances alone are not enough and the country must build the strength required to shoulder a larger global responsibility.

Referring to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Bhagwat said even countries with no direct involvement in international conflicts are feeling their impact. Citing the example of rising oil prices linked to the confrontation between Iran and the United States, he argued that global affairs continue to be shaped by power rather than principles.

"Countries that have no direct connection to the conflicts of the world are nevertheless being drawn into them. The war is between Iran and America, and oil prices are rising here," the RSS chief said.

Furthermore, Bhagwat asserted that powerful nations frequently act according to their interests, while weaker countries are compelled to comply. Whether it involves military intervention, bombing another nation or disrupting global energy supplies, such actions are ultimately driven by power, he added.

"We need to make our country supremely prosperous...the world listens to those who hold power. We see the powerful act arbitrarily, and those who do not have strength bow their heads and obey them. Whether you seize another country, drop bombs on someone, or cut off the world's oil supply, it all happens because of power," he said.

Describing India as a civilisation rooted in spirituality and religion, Bhagwat said the country is uniquely positioned to offer 'Dharma' to the world at a time when humanity is struggling to reconcile competing priorities.

"The world says it needs a new path, and that path will be provided by India. So India's time has come. But time alone does not make things happen. One must prepare for that time," he said.

Bhagwat also highlighted the tension between economic growth and environmental conservation. He said development is frequently pursued through the exploitation of natural resources, while environmental protection is often portrayed as an obstacle to progress, leaving the world trapped in confusion over how to balance the two.

"The world says it needs a new path, and that path will be provided by India," he said, adding that the unifying principle needed to resolve such dilemmas exists in India but is absent elsewhere.

The RSS chief also warned of attempts to create divisions within society. Without naming anyone, he said there are forces both within and outside the country that do not want India to emerge as a strong nation and are prepared to exploit minor issues to generate social unrest.

"There are people among us who sow discord, and the forces who do not want India to become great are ready to create unrest in social life by finding small pretexts. Thinking that if these (Indian) values become strong they will lose their position in the world, many elements are intent on influencing our traditions directly or indirectly. I will not go into more detail, the situation is before you," he concluded.

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