Russia Defends India's Right to Trade Freely Amid Trump’s Tariff Threats

International News: Russia has backed India after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of higher tariffs on Indian goods due to its oil trade with Russia. Russia clearly stated that every sovereign nation has the complete right to select its trade and economic partners according to its own national interests.

Russia Responds to Trump’s Threat

Just a day after Trump threatened India over oil imports from Moscow, Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended India’s position. He said that countries like India are free to decide how and with whom they want to trade. Peskov also added that no other country should interfere in such decisions, as they are based on economic needs and national priorities.

Trump’s Accusation Against India

On Monday, Donald Trump accused India of purchasing large quantities of Russian crude oil and then selling it at a profit in the international market. He claimed that India is supporting Russia's war efforts by continuing to buy its oil. Trump warned that the U.S. would increase tariffs on Indian imports because of this continued trade.

India Hits Back at U.S. and EU

India quickly responded to Trump’s remarks and rejected the criticism. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs pointed out that both the U.S. and the European Union continue trading with Russia in several sectors, such as nuclear fuel, fertilizers, and metals. India said it was unfair to single out New Delhi and called these actions hypocritical and biased.

India explained that its energy imports from Russia are based on national economic needs, and any such decisions are taken independently without external pressure.

India and Russia Strengthen Defense Cooperation

Amid these tensions, India and Russia held a high-level defense meeting on Tuesday. Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar met with Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin during the meeting.

According to an official statement from Russia’s defense ministry, the meeting was held in a friendly and positive atmosphere. Both sides discussed ways to further strengthen defense ties and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation.

This meeting is seen as an important message that India and Russia continue to maintain strong strategic relations, even as external powers try to create pressure.

India Maintains Independent Policy

Russia’s backing of India underscores the significance of independent decision-making by sovereign nations in global trade. Despite warnings from the U.S., India has shown that it will follow its own path based on national interest. At the same time, Russia has firmly stood by India, showing that their partnership remains strong.

India is unlikely to change its oil policy under pressure and will continue to work closely with its trusted partners like Russia in areas like energy and defense.