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Russia Stands by India Against US Pressure

Moscow: On Tuesday, Russia expressed its support for India while criticizing US President Donald Trump's threats to impose higher tariffs on India for its oil purchases from Russia. The Russian stance emphasizes that sovereign nations should have the autonomy to select their trading partners.

During a press briefing, Dmitry Peskov, the Press Secretary for the Russian President, remarked that Russia has taken note of the US's threats towards India, deeming them illegitimate. He underscored that countries should have the freedom to choose their trading partners based on their own national interests.

Peskov stated, "Russia acknowledges the US threats against India but does not regard such remarks as valid. Sovereign nations must have the right to select their trading partners and economic cooperation frameworks that align with their interests," as reported by TASS, a state-owned news agency.

The Kremlin's comments followed Trump's warning of significantly increasing tariffs on India due to its oil imports from Russia. Trump criticized India for purchasing large quantities of Russian oil and subsequently selling it on the open market for substantial profits, while also expressing concern over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In response to Trump's tariff threats, the Indian government labeled the US's targeting of India over its Russian oil purchases as unjust and unreasonable. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India, like any major economy, would take necessary actions to protect its national interests and economic security.

The Indian government pointed out that it has faced scrutiny from the US and the European Union for its oil imports from Russia since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. India began sourcing oil from Russia after traditional supply routes were redirected to Europe due to the conflict, and the US had previously encouraged such imports to stabilize global energy markets.

The government emphasized that India's oil imports are essential for maintaining predictable and affordable energy prices for its consumers, driven by the current global market dynamics. It also highlighted the hypocrisy of nations criticizing India while engaging in their own trade with Russia, which is not driven by the same urgent national needs.

In 2024, the European Union's bilateral trade with Russia reached €67.5 billion, with an additional €17.2 billion in services trade in 2023. This figure far exceeds India's total trade with Russia during the same period. Furthermore, European imports of LNG hit a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 15.21 million tonnes in 2022. The trade between Europe and Russia encompasses not only energy but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, and machinery.

The Indian government also noted that the US continues to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for electric vehicles, fertilizers, and chemicals from Russia.

In light of these facts, the Indian government reiterated that the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable, affirming its commitment to safeguarding its national interests and economic security.