Moscow has stepped into the escalating trade dispute between the US and India, with the Kremlin vocally opposing President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that “trying to force countries to stop trading with Russia is illegal,” framing the issue as a matter of international law and national sovereignty.
The Russian response directly addressed Trump’s warning to India, where he vowed to “substantially raising the Tariff” due to its continued purchases of Russian oil. Trump’s post on social media accused India of profiting from the oil trade and disregarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These new threats come after the US had already levied a 25% tariff on Indian goods.
India’s government, in turn, has not backed down. A “strong-worded statement” from the Ministry of External Affairs labeled the US and EU’s targeting of India as “unjustified and unreasonable.” New Delhi emphasized its commitment to protecting its national interests and economic security, indicating that it will not be swayed by external pressure.
This three-way diplomatic confrontation highlights the growing challenges to a unipolar global order. Russia’s support for India underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations and their shared interest in resisting what they see as US overreach. Both Moscow and New Delhi are asserting their right to an independent foreign policy, creating a complex and tense international dynamic.