Russia has sharply criticized US President Donald Trump’s threats of revised tariffs against India, with the Kremlin calling the pressure “illegal.” On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that attempts to “force countries to stop trading with Russia are illegal,” and that countries have a right to choose their own trade partners.
The controversy was sparked by a social media post from Trump, who accused India of buying discounted Russian oil and then reselling it for a profit. He linked this trade to the Ukraine conflict and threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods, a measure that would follow the 25% tariffs already in effect on August 1.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also issued a firm response, accusing the US and the European Union of “unjustified and unreasonable” targeting. The statement declared that India would take “all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” a clear indication that it would not yield to US pressure.
The diplomatic exchange highlights the growing geopolitical tensions between the US and the Russia-India partnership. Russia’s public support for India reinforces their close ties and a shared commitment to resisting what they view as Washington’s attempts to use its economic leverage to dictate the foreign policy of other sovereign nations.