In a remarkable show of unity, both Russia and India have publicly condemned US President Donald Trump’s threats of higher tariffs. The Kremlin, through its spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, labeled the US’s actions as “illegal” and a violation of a country’s right to choose its trade partners. India, in its own statement, called the targeting of New Delhi “unjustified and unreasonable.”
The diplomatic spat was ignited by a social media post from Trump, who accused India of profiting from the purchase of Russian oil and showing indifference to the war in Ukraine. He threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods, adding to the 25% tariff that the US had already imposed on August 1.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs declared that it would take “all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.” This defiant stance, coupled with Russia’s public support, presents a formidable challenge to the US’s efforts to use economic leverage to enforce its foreign policy agenda.
The situation highlights a growing alignment between Russia and India, both of whom are asserting their right to strategic autonomy. The combined pushback from Moscow and New Delhi underscores the limitations of US economic coercion and the changing dynamics of global power.
‘Illegal’ and ‘Unreasonable’: Russia and India Unite Against Trump
