New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly defended India against escalating US trade actions, warning that no country can adopt a “colonial” tone in international relations. His remarks came as Washington doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent on August 27, deepening tensions between the two countries.
Speaking at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Putin cautioned against attempts by any power to dominate the global order. “From an international law point of view, everyone must have equal rights, and must be in a similar position,” he said, noting the growing influence of economic powers like India and China.
Putin underscored that both nations have distinct political systems and legal frameworks, and outside pressure only complicates governance. “If one of them shows weakness, his political career will be over,” he remarked.
Drawing on history, the Russian leader reminded the West of its colonial past. “Countries have had difficult periods in their history, such as colonialism and long attacks on sovereignty. Now that the colonial era is over, they must understand that they cannot use this tone when speaking with their partners,” he declared.
The comments come in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s administration slapping 50 percent tariffs on Indian imports. Officials in Washington say the move partly penalises New Delhi for expanding Russian oil purchases after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, while also advancing Trump’s “America First” agenda to reduce trade deficits.
Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro has been particularly vocal, criticising India’s ties with Moscow. He described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “shame.”
“It is a shame to see PM Modi getting in bed with Xi Jinping and Putin. I’m not sure what he’s thinking. We hope he comes around to seeing that he needs to be with us and not Russia,” Navarro said.
He also alleged that India’s continued crude imports from Russia were indirectly funding Putin’s war in Ukraine.
New Delhi has rejected Washington’s stance, defending its purchase of Russian oil as essential for energy security. Indian officials have termed the US tariffs “unjustified” and a setback after decades of steadily improving bilateral trade ties.
Experts agree that the tariff escalation risks straining relations, even as India maintains that its foreign policy decisions are guided by national interest.
