The Kremlin has delivered a powerful rebuke to US President Donald Trump, accusing him of “forcing countries to choose” their trade partners. On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that “we do not consider such statements to be legal,” and that sovereign countries have the right to choose their own trading partners.
The Russian condemnation was prompted by Trump’s social media post, in which he warned that he would “substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods. Trump’s reasoning was India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which he accused New Delhi of reselling for profit while showing no concern for the conflict in Ukraine. These new threats come on top of the 25% tariffs already imposed on India on August 1.
The Indian government has also taken a firm stand, issuing a “strong-worded statement” from its Ministry of External Affairs. The statement accused the US and the European Union of “unjustified and unreasonable” targeting, and declared that India would “take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
This three-way diplomatic standoff is a clear indicator of the complex and volatile state of international relations. Russia’s support for India in this matter reinforces their strategic partnership, while both nations are united in their opposition to what they perceive as an attempt by the US to use economic leverage to dictate their foreign policy.