Saturday, March 29, 2025
Despite mounting tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, Russia has praised India for standing firm on its strategic autonomy and continuing cooperation with Moscow, particularly in energy trade.
In a statement to RT, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that no external force could break the friendship between India and Russia:
“Frankly speaking, it is hard to imagine anything else. India and Russia’s relationship continues to grow with confidence and mutual trust. Any attempts to disrupt this process are bound to fail.”
The ministry lauded New Delhi’s handling of U.S. and Western pressure, highlighting that India had refused to halt its purchase of Russian crude oil despite Washington’s demands.
Russia emphasized that India’s stand demonstrates a commitment to sovereignty and national interest, values that have long defined the bilateral partnership.
Officials underlined that India-Russia cooperation spans multiple sectors:
Civilian and defense capabilities development
Joint space missions, including manned space exploration
Nuclear energy collaboration
Indian investments in Russian oil exploration
This, Moscow argued, is why the partnership has remained trustworthy and unbreakable for decades.
The statement comes at a time when the U.S. has escalated economic pressure on India.
Trump’s administration accused New Delhi of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing discounted crude. India rejected these allegations, pointing out that Europe and even the U.S. itself continued energy dealings with Russia.
In retaliation for India’s refusal to cut ties, Washington imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, followed by an additional 25% penalty tariff targeting Russian oil purchases — effectively doubling duties to 50%, the highest level yet.
India strongly criticized the move, calling it “unjust and irrational.”
Despite the tariffs and ongoing rhetorical attacks from Trump’s trade advisor Peter Navarro and other U.S. officials, India maintained its energy partnership with Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the U.S. action, urging Washington to respect India’s strategic independence.
