Condemnation from Russia came promptly regarding the remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump over India and the implications of the steep tariffs he announced on Indian products because of India’s persistent importation of Russian oil. To Russia, such U.S. attempts at imposing tariffs on Russian oil and trade relations are deemed “illegal,” and as Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov pointed out, “no nation should be compelled to choose with whom to trade or choose economic collaborators because of external pressure.”
As Peskov said, “We have to pay attention to multiple claims that casually amount to attempts to force countries to scale down the boundaries of economic relations with Russian trade.” Such declarations essentially push Russia towards portraying trade with other countries as trade with minerals and oil. These claims are not systems that Moscow’s Republic is set upon. The Indian government is not above instruction on whom to trade with from foreign capital by other countries, especially when it is about the sanctions or prohibitive tariffs from those countries. This attitude is characteristic of Russia.
The issue erupted after Trump accused India of taking advantage of discounted crude oil from Russia, claiming that New Delhi was purchasing “massive amounts” of oil and reselling a portion while providing no support to end the war in Ukraine. In return, Trump threatened to “substantially” increase tariffs on Indian exports, which further deepens the conflict in the already vulnerable global trade system.
Both India and Russia have remained steadfast and responded to Trump. India branded the remarks as “unjustified and unreasonable” while affirming its position on balancing its energy needs and economic interests. New Delhi pointed out the hypocrisy of the United States and European countries, criticizing India’s import of Russian oil while themselves practicing selective trade with Russia. Also, the Indian government made it clear that it increased imports from Russia only after its traditional suppliers diverted supplies to Europe during the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict. India has maintained that no nation can be “lectured or hectored” on its sovereign energy and defense choices.
To recap, Russia’s reaction reinforces that no independent sovereign state should be forced to make trade decisions under the influence of outside superpowers. The situation illustrates the controversy that arises as dominant countries exercise more control over the international trade system.
