Russia Calls Trump’s Trade Threats ‘Illegal’ and Unacceptable

In a direct challenge to the United States, Russia’s Kremlin has labeled US President Donald Trump’s threats against India as “illegal” and a violation of a country’s right to independent trade. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, told reporters that any attempt to “force countries to stop trading with Russia is illegal.” He emphasized that sovereign nations are entitled to choose their trade partners based on their own national interests.
This firm statement was a direct response to Trump’s recent warning that he would “substantially” increase tariffs on India. Trump’s rationale was rooted in India’s purchase of Russian oil and the subsequent alleged resale of that oil for significant profit. He also connected this trade to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, suggesting India was indifferent to the human cost of the war.
The exchange follows a pre-existing 25% tariff imposed by the US on Indian goods on August 1. Trump justified the initial tariff by claiming that India’s tariffs on American products were “the highest in the world.” The latest threat, however, explicitly links trade policy to geopolitical pressures related to the Ukraine crisis.
India has also pushed back with a strong-worded statement from its Ministry of External Affairs. The government declared that the “targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable” and reiterated its resolve to protect its “national interests and economic security.” The ongoing confrontation showcases a complex web of international relations, where economic policy is intertwined with strategic alliances and global conflicts.