Russia Slams US Over ‘Illegal’ Pressure on India

Russia has sharply criticized the United States, calling President Donald Trump’s threats against India “illegal.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that sovereign countries have the right to choose their trade partners and that “trying to force countries to stop trading with Russia is illegal.”
The Russian statement came a day after Trump warned India of revised tariffs due to its continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump accused India of profiting from the oil trade and of showing indifference to the war in Ukraine. This new threat would be in addition to the 25% tariffs that were already imposed on Indian goods on August 1.
The Indian government has also pushed back forcefully. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement that labeled the targeting of New Delhi by the US and European Union as “unjustified and unreasonable.” The statement affirmed India’s resolve to protect its “national interests and economic security,” a clear message that it will not be swayed by external pressure.
The diplomatic spat highlights a growing alignment between Russia and India in the face of what they see as coercive US foreign policy. Both nations are asserting their right to strategic autonomy and independent decision-making, creating a complex and challenging landscape for global diplomacy.