Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved has a fierce nationalistic marketing message: buy 'Swadeshi'. But when it comes to his company's expansion plans, it seems the yogi-turned-businessman won't mind setting up shop in Pakistan and other shores.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Ramdev said he was open to bringing yoga camps to Pakistan as "yoga is also an art." He is also open to launching a business unit in Pakistan, but warned that "unlike Pakistani artistes" he won't "bring back any profits" to India, adding he would use the earnings for the welfare of the people in Pakistan.
However, Ramdev criticized Pakistani artistes for not sufficiently condemning the Uri attacks, and openly questioned their morality.
"Artistes are not terrorists. But do these people have no souls? They are only concerned about their films, earning crores and eating biryani. Why can't they condemn the brutal killings of Indians in Uri or elsewhere?"
He further added that Patanjali, which has spent Rs 500 crore on research on food and cosmetics among other product lines, is also now looking at dairy products.
"After all, why should a Nestle make profit out of Indian cows," he said, adding that Patanjali has been allotted 400 acres of land by the Maharashtra government at discounted rates to set up a manufacturing unit, and an additional 400 acres by the Uttar Pradesh government.
"Whether you want to wear jeans or skirt, it should be swadeshi," Ramdev said.
He has also recently attacked China and called for a boycott of Chinese products.
"China makes money out of India and helps Pakistan," he said.
Ramdev's Patanjali is also reportedly planning to expand into apparel business, launching its line of "Desi" jeans and women's and office wear. He is looking to open factories in Bangladesh and Africa, with plans to market in Nepal before taking on multinationals from Europe and the US.