Moscow has stepped in to defend New Delhi amidst escalating trade tensions with the US. On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called President Donald Trump’s threats of revised tariffs against India “illegal,” stating that sovereign countries have the right to choose their own trading partners. The statement is a clear sign of Russia’s backing of India in the face of US pressure.
The controversy was sparked by a social media post from Trump, in which he accused India of buying large quantities of Russian oil and reselling it for “big profits.” He threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods, building upon the 25% tariff that was already in place on August 1.
The Indian government has also pushed back with a strong-worded statement from its Ministry of External Affairs. It accused the US and EU of “unjustified and unreasonable” targeting and affirmed its commitment to protecting its “national interests and economic security.”
This diplomatic standoff highlights the complex dynamics of the current geopolitical landscape. Russia’s public support for India reinforces its close strategic ties with New Delhi and signals a united front against what they perceive as coercive US policies. The situation underscores the challenges faced by Washington in its efforts to isolate Russia on the global stage.