The Kremlin has delivered a clear message to the United States: the US cannot force countries to choose their trade partners. Responding to US President Donald Trump’s threats against India, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the pressure “illegal,” stating that “we believe that sovereign countries should have and do have the right to choose their own trading partners.”
Trump’s warning came in a social media post where he accused India of buying “massive amounts” of Russian oil and reselling it for “big profits.” 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 government also issued a forceful response, accusing the US and the European Union of unfairly targeting New Delhi. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs called the criticism “unjustified and unreasonable” and affirmed that India would “safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
This diplomatic exchange highlights a growing divide between nations that support Western sanctions and those that prioritize their own economic and strategic interests. Russia’s public support for India solidifies their partnership and challenges the US’s ability to dictate global trade policy.