‘Threats Cannot Be Made’: Kremlin on India’s Trade Choices

The Kremlin has sent a clear message to the United States: “threats cannot be made” against countries that choose their own trade partners. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that any attempt to “force countries to stop trading with Russia is illegal,” and that sovereign nations have the right to choose their own trade partners.
The statement was a direct response to US President Donald Trump’s recent threats of higher tariffs on India. Trump accused India of buying “massive amounts of Russian Oil” and reselling it for a profit, and linked this trade to the war in Ukraine. He vowed to “substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods, adding to the 25% tariffs already in place.
The Indian government also issued a strong response, accusing the US and the European Union of unfairly targeting New Delhi. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs called the criticism “unjustified and unreasonable” and affirmed that India would “safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
The diplomatic exchange highlights a growing divide between nations that support Western sanctions and those that prioritize their own economic and strategic interests. Russia’s public support for India solidifies their partnership and challenges the US’s ability to dictate global trade policy.