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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

‘Bharat Ratna to Savarkar will increase its prestige’

Mumbai: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday threw his full weight behind the long-standing demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, asserting that the Hindutva ideologue’s inclusion would enhance the dignity of the country’s highest civilian honour. Bhagwat, who explained the genesis and growth of the RSS over past 100 years in two lectures at the Nehru Centre here on Saturday and Sunday, replied to several...

‘Bharat Ratna to Savarkar will increase its prestige’

Mumbai: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday threw his full weight behind the long-standing demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, asserting that the Hindutva ideologue’s inclusion would enhance the dignity of the country’s highest civilian honour. Bhagwat, who explained the genesis and growth of the RSS over past 100 years in two lectures at the Nehru Centre here on Saturday and Sunday, replied to several questions. While replying to one of the questions, he remarked, “If Swatantraveer Savarkar is given the Bharat Ratna, the prestige of the Bharat Ratna itself will increase.” He was asked, why there has been a delay in conferring the Bharat Ratna on Savarkar, in reply to which, Bhagwat said, “I am not part of that committee. But if I meet someone, I will ask. Even without that honour, he rules the hearts of millions of people.” he added. Social Divisions Bhagwat replied to questions that were clubbed in 14 different groups ranging from national security to environment, social harmony, youth, arts and sports. Whenever the questions suggested or expressed expectations that the RSS should do certain things, Bhagwat stressed on the involvement of the society and initiative from the society in resolving the problems. While addressing the critical issue of Uniform Civil Code, Bhagwat stated that the UCC should be framed by taking everyone into confidence and must not lead to social divisions. In the same way while replying to the question related to illegal migrants in the country, Bhagwat urged people to “detect and report” the “illegal infiltrators” to the police. He also urged people not to give them any employment and to be more “vigilant.” Backing SIR He highlighted that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise has already revealed the “foreigners” living in the country. “The government has a lot to do regarding infiltration. They have to detect and deport. This wasn’t happening until now, but it has started little by little, and it will gradually increase. When the census or the SIR is conducted, many people come to light who are not citizens of this country; they are automatically excluded from the process,” he said. “But we can do one thing: we can work on detection. Their language gives them away. We should detect them and report them to the appropriate authorities. We should inform the police that we suspect these people are foreigners, and they should investigate and keep an eye on them, and we will also keep an eye on them. We will not give employment to any foreigner. If someone is from our country, we will give them employment, but not to foreigners. You should be a little more vigilant and aware,” he added. SC Chief Emphasising the inclusivity of the Sangh, he said that anyone can become ‘Sarsanghchalak’ (RSS chief), including the SC and STs, as the decision is solely dependent on the work that any individual put for the organisation. “Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra or Brahmin does not qualify for the Sarsanghchalak position (RSS Chief), a Hindu will become the one who works and is best available. A Hindu will become, and that can also be an SC or ST. Anyone can become it depends on the work. Today, if you see, all classes have representation in the Sangh. The decision is taken on the basis of one who works and is best available,” he said. He pointed out that when the RSS was founded, its work began in a Brahmin-dominated community and hence, most of its founders were Brahmins, which led to the organisation being labelled as a Brahmin outfit at the time. People always look for an organisation that has representatives from their community, he said. “If I were to choose a chief, I would go by the ‘best available candidate’ criterion. When I was appointed RSS chief, there were many best candidates, but they were not available. I was the one who could be relieved from duties and appointed,” he said. He said that to belong to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe communities is not a disqualification, and neither is being a Brahmin a qualification to become the RSS chief. Ready to step down if Sangh asks for Dr. Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said the Sangh had asked him to continue working despite his age, while stressing that he would step down from the post whenever the organisation directs him to do so. “There is no election to the post of RSS chief. Regional and divisional heads appoint the chief. Generally, it is said that after turning 75, one should work without holding any post,” Bhagwat said. “I have completed 75 years and informed the RSS, but the organisation asked me to continue working. Whenever the RSS asks me to step down, I will do so, but retirement from work will never happen,” he said.

Mongolia Moves Beyond China with Uranium Pact

Updated: Mar 3, 2025

Mongolia secures a $1.6 billion deal with France, marking its entry into nuclear energy market.

Mongolia

Mongolia, a landlocked nation rich in minerals but geopolitically wedged between China and Russia, is taking a major step to diversify its economy and enter the global nuclear energy market. In a landmark $1.6 billion deal, Mongolia partnered with France to develop the Zuuvch-Ovoo uranium mine. Signed last month between France’s Orano Group and Mongolia’s state-owned MonAtom, it marks one of the largest foreign investments in Mongolia’s energy sector in years.


For Mongolia, this agreement is a strategic move to lessen reliance on China, its dominant export market. For France, access to Mongolia’s uranium bolsters its nuclear energy leadership and supply security. Marking 60 years of diplomatic ties, the deal is a milestone in their evolving relationship.


Strengthening Mongolia-France Relations

Mongolia and France established diplomatic ties in 1965, but Mongolia’s economic dependence on its powerful neighbours has often overshadowed their engagement. France has supported Mongolia’s global integration through economic cooperation, education, and governance initiatives, viewing it as a key regional partner.


China has long dominated Mongolia’s mining sector, taking over 80% of its exports. The new uranium deal signals a shift towards stronger ties with Western democracies, aligning with Mongolia’s “Third Neighbour” policy to diversify economic and political partnerships.


The Zuuvch-Ovoo uranium mine in Mongolia’s Dornogovi Province holds substantial uranium reserves, which are vital for nuclear energy. The agreement between French multinational Orano and Mongolia’s MonAtom paves the way for large-scale extraction, technological collaboration, and infrastructure development.


Once operational, the project is expected to create 1,600 jobs in Mongolia and introduce advanced French mining technology, enhancing safety and efficiency. The deal secures uranium supply for France while providing Mongolia with foreign expertise to develop its nuclear energy capabilities.


Mongolia has faced foreign investment volatility due to shifting mining policies and environmental concerns. This deal signals its openness to investment, potentially drawing more Western companies to its resource sector.


Economic and Geopolitical Implications

For Mongolia, this deal supports economic diversification. Despite vast coal, copper, and gold reserves, it remains reliant on China. Expanding into uranium with a Western partner helps reduce its economic vulnerability.


The deal boosts Mongolia’s geopolitical standing, strengthening ties with Europe amid rising global energy competition. As demand for nuclear energy grows, Mongolia secures a high-value export, benefiting from France’s ambitious nuclear strategy.


For France, the deal is crucial. As a leading nuclear energy producer, it needs stable uranium supplies. With domestic mines depleted, Mongolian uranium reduces reliance on unstable suppliers, offering a secure energy partner for Europe.


Despite optimism, challenges remain. Uranium mining poses environmental risks, and Mongolia has faced opposition from local communities and activists. Strong safeguards will be crucial for the project’s success.


Another challenge lies in regulatory stability. Mongolia has a history of inconsistent mining policies, sometimes leading to tensions with foreign investors. If the government fails to provide a stable and transparent regulatory environment, it could discourage future investments.


On a geopolitical level, the reactions of China and Russia remain uncertain. Both nations have historically kept a close watch on Mongolia’s resource sector, and increased Western engagement could invite diplomatic pressure. However, Mongolia has carefully cultivated a policy of neutrality and balance, and this agreement with France is unlikely to provoke open confrontation.


A New Chapter for Mongolia’s Global Ambitions

As Mongolia and France celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties, this agreement is more than just an economic deal—it is a strategic statement. For Mongolia, it is a bold step toward global energy integration and economic independence. For France, it strengthens its access to critical resources, reinforcing its role as a leader in the nuclear energy sector.


In a rapidly evolving global landscape, energy security has become one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. With this deal, Mongolia is positioning itself as a key player in the world’s nuclear energy supply chain, while France ensures its reactors continue running on stable and secure fuel sources.


The success of this agreement will depend not only on economic and technical execution but also on the ability of both nations to navigate geopolitical complexities. If managed well, this partnership could serve as a model for future energy cooperation between resource-rich emerging economies and advanced industrial powers.


For Mongolia, this may just be the beginning of a broader economic and diplomatic transformation, one that allows it to emerge as a more influential player on the global stage.


(The author is a foreign affairs expert. Views personal.)

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