The Kremlin has delivered a clear message to the United States: “Can’t force countries to choose trade partners.” Responding to US President Donald Trump’s threats against India, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that attempts to “force countries to stop trading with Russia is illegal,” and that nations have a sovereign right to determine their own economic relationships.
Trump’s warning, which was delivered in a social media post, accused India of profiting from the purchase of Russian oil and reselling it. He criticized India for its perceived lack of concern for the conflict in Ukraine, and threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods. This new threat follows the imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian goods on August 1.
India has also pushed back with a strong-worded statement from its Ministry of External Affairs. The government declared that the “targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable” and reiterated its resolve to protect its “national interests and economic security.”
The diplomatic fallout highlights a growing rift over global energy trade and geopolitical alignments. Russia is portraying itself as a defender of national sovereignty, while the US is using economic pressure to align countries with its foreign policy goals. The situation pits two of the world’s largest economies against each other, with Moscow siding with New Delhi.
